Varroa mite (arrowed), which has now been identified in a Victorian beehive, can cause hive destruction and spread bee viruses.
Photo by
MaYcaL
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed varroa mite has been detected for the first time in Victoria, at a property in Nangiloc near Mildura.
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Annual surveillance activities carried out by Agriculture Victoria during almond pollination identified the infested hive.
As part of the National Varroa Mite Response Plan, AgVic is working closely with apiarists and orchardists to minimise the impact of the pest’s arrival.
Twelve newly recruited varroa development officers are available to provide guidance directly to beekeepers on managing varroa mite and using the chemical control options available.
Training workshops are also occurring across Victoria to cover monitoring and threshold surveillance actions, integrated pest management techniques, record-keeping and chemical treatments.
Organic treatment options are also available.
The varroa threat has crossed the border into Victoria, threatening the state’s beehives.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
Victorian Apiarists Association president John van Weeghel stressed that beekeepers in Victoria needed to take heed of the advice and services available to them.
“We call on all Victorian beekeepers to vigilantly test their hives and report infestations,” Mr van Weeghel said.
“And to follow the advice on chemical options given by AgVic.”
Mr van Weeghel said the shelf life of pesticides used to treat varroa mite was limited.
“There is no need to stockpile (the pesticides), they don’t last, and use only the registered products.
“Do not try to make up your own — ignore all the rubbish out there on social media.”
Mr van Weeghel said the inevitability of the mite’s arrival was due to the necessity of importing pollinators for food production.
“You cannot produce almonds without pollinators, so we had to let (NSW) hives in to make up the numbers.
“We expected this would happen and eventually it will change how business is done, but for now it will have no immediate effects — life will go on.”
Beekeepers with concerns can email victorian.vdo@agriculture.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 958 485.
Suspected cases of varroa mite can be reported 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 at bees.agriculture.vic.gov.au
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