Australian beekeepers can't tackle Varroa mite alone. Here's how we can help

Australia became the last continent without a bee-killing Varroa mite until it arrived in June 2022, rapidly spreading along the eastern coast. By September 2023, eradication efforts were abandoned, and Varroa is now a permanent threat. The mite attaches to honeybees, impairing their health and transmitting pathogens. Unchecked, Varroa can decimate entire colonies.

Authorities introduced a national management program in early 2024 to help beekeepers cope. Varroa spreads through bee activities like drifting and robbing, and human intervention, such as moving infested equipment. In Australia, the problem varies by state, with Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory experiencing well-established infestations.

Other states are on high alert, while Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory remain Varroa-free. Effective management involves monitoring, treatments, and practices that limit hive-to-hive spread. However, resistance to chemical treatments and their potential harm to bees limit their use. Biotechnical methods, which interrupt mite reproduction or physically remove them, are slower and more complex.

Without support, nearly 40% of commercial beekeepers might leave the sector, risking crop pollination and food security. Current guidelines are based on foreign data, so more research is needed tailored to Australian conditions. Australia has time on its side, as it was the last major honey-producing nation to detect Varroa, giving it access to global expertise to tailor strategies to its unique conditions.