2023-09-21
The National Management Group for exotic plant pest and animal disease eradication has decided that Varroa mite is no longer technically feasible to eradicate from Australia.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti, said the response across the country will now transition to ongoing management of the parasite.
“Varroa mite is the biggest biosecurity threat to Australian honey and honeybee pollination in a generation,” said Minister Vassarotti.
“The ACT has supported a national decision to transition from aiming for the eradication of Varroa mite to ongoing management.
“It is no longer technically feasible to eradicate the parasite.
“This decision has been made to slow the spread, build industry resilience to the parasite, and provide options for ongoing management.
“I know that this announcement will come as bittersweet news to many agriculturalists and beekeepers in the ACT.
“The failure to protect Australia’s borders against this invasive and destructive species has already led to the destruction of tens of thousands of beehives across the nation.
“Currently, there are no known occurrences of Varroa mite in the ACT.
“The Government is engaging with beekeepers and industry to slow the spread of Varroa mite to the ACT and build resilience in case of incursion.
“A revised national response plan is currently being developed by Government and industry technical experts which will guide the transition to a management phase.
"The incursion of Varroa mite into Australia and the decision to transition to a management plan is a stark reminder of the real and elevated biosecurity threats that we face as a nation.
“Invasive species pose a threat both to our agricultural sector, and our native plants and animals.
“Over recent years, climate change has compounded the impact of invasive species incursions, by increasing their range and ability to survive.
“This is yet another sobering reminder of the ongoing extinction crisis taking hold across our nation.
“We need Governments nationwide to be vigilant and prepared to protect our agricultural industries and natural environment from these biosecurity threats.”
Information about Varroa mite or how beekeepers can register their hives, inspect their hives for pests and diseases, and what to do if they think they have found Varroa mites is available on the ACT Environment Website.