Varroa mite

Experiments look to improve beekeepers’ ability to import desirable genetics, by understanding how deformed wing virus is transmitted from queen bees to eggs through drone semen. New insights into the transmission of a significant honey bee virus could pave the way for safer access to imported genetics that could help Australia’s honey bee and pollination industry adapt to varroa mite.

The beekeeping sector across the Riverina is experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis as the region grapples with the ongoing challenge of varroa mite management, placing critical agricultural pollination services at risk.

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.