Varroa destructor was detected in Newcastle NSW on the 22 June 2022. Varroa mite presents a significant threat to Australian honey bees. The parasitic mite is a host to a number of diseases yet to reach Australian shores. 

Whilst we are relatively confident of the containment of the mite to the prescribed biosecurity zones, every beekeeper in Australia must be on watch for this tiny enemy. Beekeepers are urged to take immediate action and undertake surveillance for varroa now. Report all surveillance results including your negative data. 

Should varroa ever become established, every Australian household will feel the impacts of the mite. As our beekeepers battle to maintain mite populations, Australian households will feel the squeeze through the decline in production of our world class honey varieties, to the decline in honey bee populations, ultimately impacting the supply of managed honey bees for the pollination of  35 crops varieties.

Make no doubt, the current varroa mite detection is a national biosecurity emergency within our industry, the agricultural sector and every Australian household feeling the pinch from the rising cost of living.

Varroa is the Foot-and -Mouth disease equivalent for the Australian honey bee industry. 

Industry and Government are working closely together on the national response to the detection of the mite and the subsequent eradication program. 

For more information on varroa and the Queensland response, please visit the Queensland DAF engagement hub: https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/varroa-mite