By Olivia Condous
Local beekeepers are concerned over the threat of a harmful parasite that has recently been detected in New South Wales hives and could have devastating effects for the bee industry.
Varroa mites were found in biosecurity surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle in late June, putting beekeepers across the country on high alert as it does not normally occur in Australia.
The parasites spread viruses that drastically affect bees’ health, weakening their ability to fly, gather food and pollinate crops.
J Beekeeping Club in Diggers Rest is one of multiple local hobby beekeeping organisations preparing to fend off the parasites.
Club biodiversity lead Hilbertus Boelsen said many beekeepers understood that the spread of the parasite into Australia was inevitable.
“The efforts that have been made with Biosecurity Australia and local clubs was to give us more time,” Mr Boelsen said.
“It gives us the chance to learn from the rest of the world who have learned to live with it.”
Mr Boelsen said while it was important to prevent the spread of the parasite, beekeepers should also prepare to manage infection when the time comes.
“So far, it’s always been just about doing everything we can to keep it out… it’s probably impossible to keep it out.”
He said the club would continue to encourage any new beekeepers to register with authorities and do regular testing of their hives.
“For us, it’s about being the ones who pass on the information that we get from the authorities, we can be prepared for it but we can’t make too many suggestions on what beekeepers have to do other than keep doing tests.”
