Varroa detected in Australia

[max2]

So far, so good:

6 October 2022
Queensland Beekeepers? Association
Weekly Varroa Mite Update ? Week Ending 06/10/2022
The detection of Varroa destructor in Newcastle on the 22nd June 2022 has created much anxiety within the
Australian beekeeping industry. In an effort to streamline our communications to our members the QBA will
now offer weekly updates to our members and affiliate clubs giving insight into our current areas of focus.
We actively encourage all beekeepers to undertake varroa mite surveillance activities on managed hives and
report the results (including negative results) to the Bee 123 portal. For more information on the Bee 123
portal please click here.
Weekly Update 6th October 2022
Bee 123 data to date:
Bundaberg Pollination Event Varroa Mite Surveillance:
*Surveillance activities: alcohol wash, drone uncapping and frame inspection.
Total Apiaries/Beekeepers tested: 8
Total Hives Inspected: 224
Total Hives Present at surveillance locations: 2413
Total No. locations/properties surveyed: 8
Key Points:
? Biosecurity Instrument Permits for movement into in Qld of beehive supers for extraction & used
hives for irradiation from the NSW GEZ (?Blue Zone?) have been developed and are being issued.
o Information on permit conditions and information have been added to the DAF eHub
o 15 permits issued
o 5 not approved
o 4 in progress (all within expected time frame)
? There have been two treatment facility (2) compliance inspections with positive outcomes.
Total beekeepers reporting results 320
Total Hives checked 2782
Total hives reported 9837
Total No. of Recreational Beekeeper Surveys: 231
Total No. of Commercial Beekeeper Surveys: 86
Mites found or suspected 0
2 | Page
? Scheduled compliance activities for all permitted activities to commence this week.
? Risk assessments for permits currently being developed:
o Movement of Queen bees from interstate and NSW blue zone.
o Harmonised movement of hives NSW blue zone to VIC, SA & QLD.
o Movement of apiary equipment and PPE from interstate and NSW blue zone for irradiation
for endemic bee pest control and back into NSW and/or to stay in QLD.
o Movement of used/dead hives from the NSW red and purple zones to QLD for irradiation for
endemic bee pest control and back into NSW and/or to stay in QLD

[max2]

I still can't get queens in from NSW - for good reasons.
It has slowed my ability to make nuc's.
I'm still chasing Jo Horner genetics.

[max2]

18. October report

No new Varroa dedections reported.

https://members.qbabees.org.au/resources/Documents/QBA%20VD%20Update%20to%20Members%2012102022.pdf

[Ben Framed]

Max this is multiplying great news (no new detections). You folks have done and are doing a tremendous job at keeping Varroa Destructor under control! Have you any idea as to when Australia can once again be officially declared Varroa 'free'? Is that hope being discussed by officials and the Beekeeping Community?

Phillip

[max2]

Hi Philip,

this is nothing official..

A woman who is a beekeeper in the affected area told me that they are not allowed to introduce any hives into the area " for 3 years".

The rules seem very strict at this point. I had 20 queens on order from a breeder in NSW ( the affected state)  and they are not allowed to post any queens to us , here in Qld.

This is peak swarming season BUT large parts of of the Southern states  ( NSW and Vic) are affected by very heavy rain and huge flood events.

Let's re-assess the situation in another 6 months...and keep hoping for a good outcome.

It is raining here too...and we had such a lovely flow. More rain on the way.

[max2]

I'm always rather nervous when I open another up-date.
No new dedections is good news.

https://members.qbabees.org.au/resources/Documents/QBA%20VD%20Update%20to%20Members%2019102022.pdf

[BeeMaster2]

Max,
Great news. They seem to bee doing a great job of eradicating them.  Your beekeepers must all bee doing the same at a great cost. I did not think it could bee done. All it would take is one person to hide their bees from the officials for this to fail.
Congratulations.
Jim Altmiller

[max2]

Yes, Jim, quite a few people are doing a terrific job .
It is not easy to keep this momentum going.
One beekeeper has collected 25 000 signitures suggesting that the Bio Secuity should just let Varro taker over.
He states that it is " just a Flea" and can be controlled " in 3 days".

I have written to him...with not much success.

[BeeMaster2]

Max,
He obviously has no idea what he is asking for.
Jim Altmiller

[Ben Framed]

max2
One beekeeper has collected 25 000 signitures suggesting that the Bio Secuity should just let Varro taker over.
He states that it is " just a Flea" and can be controlled " in 3 days".

Max,
He obviously has no idea what he is asking for.
Jim Altmiller

Agreed, obviously not Jim. If that was only true.. I wish it was only as a flea which could be controlled in just 3 days. Varroa are a bit more complicated than that.. A thorn in the side so to speak...

Phillip

[max2]

Good news...

https://members.qbabees.org.au/resources/Documents/QBA%20Varroa%20Destructor%20Update%20to%20Members%2026102022.pdf

[Ben Framed]

Max this is great news! I hope you don't mind that I am copying and posting a picture of the latest results from you 3 page report. I recommend the whole report being read, especially by your fellow Countrymen of Australia. Good Job Australia!

Phillip

[attachment=0][/attachment]

[Skeggley]

It does seem like good news which could justify the extermination of so many colonies and blood lines. Likely still a long road though before patting the back but yes, so far well done NSW beekeepers.
Flea? :eye roll:

[Bill Murray]

that it is " just a Flea" and can be controlled " in 3 days".

unbelievable

[max2]

Another update:

https://members.qbabees.org.au/resources/Documents/QBA%20Varroa%20Destructor%20Update%20to%20Members%2004112022.pdf

[Ben Framed]

[attachment=0][/attachment]

[Bill Murray]

I guess after reading that. Swarming is where the issue would lay. Just one swarm left unmitigated could lead to disaster.

[Ben Framed]

I think so Bill, but as you I am hoping they have it whipped!.... It will be grand if the Australians win this battle! It is hard to imagine beekeeping without the concern of Mr 'Varroa Destructor' always lurking in the shadows.. Mmmm

Phillip

[max2]

The latest:  https://members.qbabees.org.au/resources/Documents/QBA%20Varroa%20Destructor%20Update%20to%20Members%20171122.pdf

[max2]

Another discovery - this is bad.

It appears that the Port of Newcastle was not the entry point.

There has been a story circulating that a beekeeper imported - with no permit - Queens.

We have not seen the end of this

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-25/varroa-mite-detection-prompts-eradication-zone-expansion/101697852