September 30th, 2023Varroa mite focus switches to management as eradication hopes dashed
Local apiarists remain on high alert for any sign of the dreaded varroa destructor mite after Agriculture Victoria conceded in recent days that it will now transition its emergency response to a management phase for Varroa mite.
Local apiarists remain on high alert for any sign of the dreaded varroa destructor mite after Agriculture Victoria conceded in recent days that it will now transition its emergency response to a management phase for Varroa mite.
Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov said the NSW Varroa mite outbreak was no longer technically feasible to eradicate.
“Victoria remains free of Varroa mite, and under the Transition to Management program the focus will be on slowing the spread of Varroa and ensuring our industries are prepared and supported for its arrival,” Dr Crnov said.
Varroa mite 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.
