Varroa mite detected in Victoria
15 August 2024
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed varroa mite has been detected for the first time in Victoria at a property in Nangiloc near Mildura.
The infested hive was identified during Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities which are carried out each year during almond pollination.
Agriculture Victoria Acting Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Stephen Dibley said Agriculture Victoria is working with the affected beekeeper and others close by to minimise spread and guide management actions.
“This early detection of Varroa mite enables Victorian beekeepers to prepare and manage their hives effectively,” Dr Dibley said.
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a parasite of adult honey bees and honey bee brood. It weakens and kills honey bee colonies and can also transmit honey bee viruses.
It was first detected in Australia near Newcastle in NSW in 2022 and is being managed through the National Varroa Mite Response Plan which is focussed on preparing industry to live with and effectively manage Varroa mite.
Varroa mite does not affect native bees.
In line with the National Varroa Mite Response Plan, Agriculture Victoria is working closely with beekeepers and orchardists to minimise the impacts on beehives and the almond pollination.
A team of 12 Varroa Development Officers have been recruited in Victoria under the National Varroa Mite Response Plan and they are available to provide guidance directly to beekeepers on how to manage Varroa mite and appropriately utilise the chemical control options available.
There are also Varroa Management Training Workshops occurring across Victoria this month, which cover monitoring and threshold surveillance actions, integrated pest management techniques, record-keeping, and chemical treatments, including organic options.
“With varroa mite established in New South Wales and measures in place to slow the spread nationally, the detection this week was not unexpected despite the requirements in place to enter the state,” Dr Dibley said.
“I encourage all beekeepers to be prepared to manage varroa in their hives by attending one of the free workshops, engaging with Varroa Development Officers and accessing all the resources available.”
Beekeepers with concerns can contact Victorian Varroa Development Officers by email at Victorian.VDO@agriculture.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 958 485.
Beekeepers in Victoria are urged to check their hives and to report suspected cases of varroa mite to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
All Victorian beekeepers are encouraged to record all hive movements and inspections, and the results of mite testing in BeeMAX.
For more information and updates on this detection, and any further Victorian varroa mite detections, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa.
Media contact: Steve Pogonowski