“It’s not a question of if the Varroa mite will come to Australia but when.”
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That is according to Department of Primary Industries honey bees technical specialist Dr Doug Somerville, who was in Bega on Saturday, October 10.
The Varroa mite is the most serious threat to the viability of the Australian honey bee industry.
The mite is parasitic and feeds on the blood of honey bees, transmitting pathogens, which kill entire bee colonies and if it were to become established in Australia, our healthy population of feral honey bees could be reduced by 90 to 100 per cent.
In an attempt to keep Australia Varroa mite free, the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program was set up.
The program involves a range of surveillance methods conducted at locations considered to be the most likely entry point of bee pests and Dr Somerville said Eden Port has been identified as one of these risk points.
“It is definitely not the highest risk location in Australia, but the risk is there,” he said.
“Eden Port has two sentinel hives which are tested around three times a year for the presence of mites.
“The bee industry is doing all it can to prevent the Varroa mite from entering Australia, but the reality is that we can only prevent it for so long when it is rife throughout the rest of the world.”
The bee industry is doing all it can to prevent the Varroa mite from entering Australia, but the reality is that we can only prevent it for so long when it is rife throughout the rest of the world.
- Dr Doug Somerville
Dr Somerville said although Eden Port is considered relatively low risk, the bee industry and individual bee keepers in Eden and Merimbula need to be prepared for a possible outbreak.
Over the past few years, Australia has seen a significant rise in the number of people owning their own hives and Dr Somerville said this rise has been particularly evident in the Bega Valley.
“There is a growing awareness of the hardships honey bees are suffering, which has inspired people to take it upon themselves to help the bee population.”
The Bega Valley Amatuer Beekeepers host regular workshops at the Old Bega Hospital for people interested in learning about bee keeping and member David Richardson said these workshops are continually growing in popularity.
For more information please contact bee club treasurer Lyall Zweck at treasurer@begavalleybeeclub.org.au.
