Varroa mite has been detected in Newcastle Harbor biosecurity surveillance hives, threatening the beekeeping industry.
Key points:
- Varroa mite has been detected in Newcastle Harbor surveillance hives
- An outbreak of the parasite could cost the agricultural industry tens of millions of dollars a year
- Port beekeepers have been ordered not to move or handle the hives
Australia has been the only continent to remain free of the parasite, with previous detections in Queensland and Victoria eradicated.
The destructive varroa, commonly called the varroa mite, spreads viruses that paralyze bees’ ability to fly, collect food, or leave their cell to be born.
It also significantly reduces its ability to pollinate crops.
Cast bees in the U.S. fell by about 30% and native bee populations in NZ by 90% when the varroa mite arrived. (Supplied by: Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said there was now an emergency biosecurity zone around the port of Newcastle and that contaminated hives had been contained.
Beekeepers located 50 kilometers from the port are ordered not to move hives or equipment inside or outside this area.
“It’s a really worrying situation. We are now asking beekeepers across the state to help safeguard their industry,” Saunders said.
“It’s clearly the most serious pest for bees around the world.”
Saunders said a varroa mite outbreak could cost the agricultural industry $ 70 million a year in losses.
One in three food bites benefits from bee pollination, with some crops such as almonds, blueberries, avocados and apples being completely dependent on pollination.
NSW DPI has confirmed that a varroa mite has been detected in the port of Newcastle. (ABC Rural: Kim Honan)
Hive bees in the U.S. have been reported to have fallen by about 30% when they were found there, and native bee populations dropped by 90% when they arrived in New Zealand.
Contained safe pollution of the industry
The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council said it worked closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
“We are really confident that it is isolated and contained in the port of Newcastle,” said Acting CEO Danny Le Feuvre.
He said the council had door-to-door staff to make sure all hives are counted in the Newcastle area.
“We will also put communications in the local area for any beekeeper … who has beehives in the backyard, or even knows the wild beehives,” Le Feuvre said.
“That way we can find all the hives and be really in front of this situation.”
Receive the latest rural news
Posted 1 hour 1 hour ago Friday, June 24, 2022 at 3:27 AM, updated 7 m ago, 7 minutes ago, Friday, June 24, 2022 at 5:05 AM