Varroa mite

Whether the risks posed by imports from Australia's trading partners are being sufficiently assessed and addressed, whether we really need to or should import certain products at all, and whether Australia is becoming complacent, resigned, or courting disaster for political Brownie points - such questions are being asked more often. ... This last week, Australia's biosecurity around beef and banana imports was called into question by David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister. ARR.News sought a response from Julie Collins, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ...

Australian beekeepers are being urged to share their experiences in the 2025 COLOSS Survey, as the industry faces rising costs and labour demands from Varroa destructor (Varroa) management. The 2024 Australian Colony Loss (COLOSS) Survey revealed that Varroa is costing the honey bee industry more than just dollars, with labour impacts also increasing.

Biosecurity measures have been bolstered to protect Kangaroo Island’s world-famous Ligurian bee population from the parasitic pest varroa mite. Every ferry bound for Kangaroo Island is now subject to biosecurity checks and a sentinel hive program has started to roll out across the island following the first detection of varroa mite in South Australia last month.

Australian researchers are delving into the secret life of bees in a quest to breed more resilient, productive and happy honey-makers. The nation’s first comprehensive honey bee genetic improvement program, Plan Bee, has delivered genetic tools to secure the future of beekeepers.

All bee hives connected to South Australia’s first varroa mite detection have been removed from the state to protect SA’s apiary industry.

A Clarence Valley amateur beekeeper says she is devastated after having to destroy her hive of more than 6000 bees on the weekend that was ravaged by a Varroa Mite infestation ad has warned others to be on the lookout.

Hugh Schuitemaker. A senior Riverland politician is "deeply concerned" at the potential risks caused by a decision to allow bee colonies from varroa mite outbreak areas into South Australia. PIRSA has announced the movement of bee colonies from varroa-positive interstate jurisdictions into South Australia will now be permitted entry under specific movement conditions, in an attempt to support business continuity for the beekeeping industry and pollination-dependent partners.

Potential declines in bee populations due to varroa mite infestation could jeopardise Australian horticultural production, Rabobank says in a newly-released report ... In the report, How varroa mites might impact Australian pollinators, the bank’s RaboResearch division says this threat comes at a time when demand growth for pollination is outpacing growth in beehive numbers.

Beekeepers are being urged to check the health of their hives and be alert for unwanted pests during bee pest blitz this month ... DPIRD deputy chief plant biosecurity officer Michelle Christy said there were more than 4500 registered beekeepers in Western Australia who owned more than 53,400 hives.