Biosecurity update Varroa mite incursion
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) was detected in two of six sentinel hives at the Port of Newcastle, NSW on 26 June 2022. A 10 km emergency zone has been established around the Port area. Varroa mite was also detected in private hives within the 10 km zone. Sentinel and private hives that were inspected have been euthanised.
Surveillance and inspection of managed and feral hives within a 25 km surveillance zone is being conducted by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to limit the extent of the incursion.
A second 10 km surveillance zone is being established at Trangie where hives were transported from an infected premises two weeks ago.
A Biosecurity Emergency Order was enacted for a state-wide standstill (no movement permitted) of all bees, hives, apiary equipment and untreated bee products in NSW. This is being enforced by NSW police.
What to do if you suspect Varroa mite
NSW beekeepers must notify NSW DPI of the location of all hives within the 50 km notification zone by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Please visit the NSW DPI website at Varroa Mite (nsw.gov.au) for current information on the restrictions in place.
The public can report Varroa mite detections to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
All beekeepers in Australia should inspect their hives regularly for signs of varroa mite and other exotic pests. If you suspect your bees may have been affected, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. This will put you in touch with your state or territory’s biosecurity agency.
If you work at a port or with imported sea containers, any sighting of exotic bees or varroa mites must be reported to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. You can do this online at awe.gov.au/report or phone the See. Secure. Report hotline on 1800 798 636.
More information
Varroa destructor attacks European Honey bees (Apis mellifera) (EHB) and is considered the greatest threat to Australia’s honey and honey bee pollination plant industries. Varroa destructor is not established in Australia. Australia is one of the few countries in the world to remain free of varroa mite. It is a Category 3 Emergency Plant Pest (EPP) under Schedule 13 of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).
Information about bee biosecurity, hive care, and photos that will help you identify varroa mite, are available on the Bee Aware website beeaware.org.au.
The mite is the small brown oval shape on the upper back of the bee