Varroa mite – current situation

Update: 22 September 2023

Temporary pause on permits for movements from New South Wales

Following the National Management Group meeting on 19 September, the Victorian Government will join other Australian states and territories in transitioning from eradication to management of Varroa destructor.

Varroa mite has not been found in Victoria.

During the transitional phase, the temporary pause on permits for movements from New South Wales will remain in place while the risks are assessed.

Beekeepers who have moved hives under permit must continue to report any bee movements to Agriculture Victoria, regularly test bees for varroa and follow the requirements of the Control Area Order and permits.

This page will continue to be updated as the transition to management plan progresses.

For more information head to the:

• Beekeeper permits page
• Moving bees interstate page; or the
• Varroa mite – frequently asked questions page

New permits from Agriculture Victoria will allow beekeepers in Victoria to move their hives and equipment from the former Surveillance Emergency Zones (SEZ) in northern Victoria.

The new Victorian permits will be issued in line with the Victorian Control Area Order.

The permits require beekeepers to inform Agriculture Victoria where their hives are and where they will be moved to.  This is done through an online application form. Beekeepers must continue to report their movements as stated within the permit conditions.

Beekeepers must also complete alcohol wash testing on their hives at permitted rates within seven days of moving the hives. Results must be reported to Agriculture Victoria.

Once the permit or a permit variation is issued, hives from within the former SEZ can be moved anywhere in Victoria or interstate (subject to the receiving state allowing it).

The Victorian permit system allows the entry of bees, hives and apiary movements into Victoria to enable essential horticultural activities such as the pollination season to continue.

Agriculture Victoria biosecurity officers have been on the ground in Sunraysia undertaking extensive surveillance during almond pollination.

Victorian Control Area Order

A Control Area Order remains in place for the state of Victoria. This means all movement of bees and bee products (with the exception of processed honey and wax) is being regulated through a permit system in order to prevent the entry and establishment of Varroa mite

A copy of the current Control Area Order can be downloaded here:

Order declaring a control area (PDF - 725.1 KB)

Order declaring a control area (WORD - 345.3 KB)

It is every beekeeper’s responsibility to ensure they are up to date with current movement requirements before moving their bees and related items.

• Current information on which products are permitted entry to Victoria including associated permit requirements is available at Beekeeper permits.
• Information on health certificate requirements is available at Moving bees interstate. Note: Health certificates are still required for all hives and products in addition to the permit.

More information

If you require any assistance with your permit application, please email Honeybee.Permits@agriculture.vic.gov.au or phone the Customer Service Centre on  136 186.

• About Varroa mite and how to test
• 2018 Victorian response to Varroa mite
• NSW DPI Varroa mite