Varroa Mite Incursion: Source Remains Unconfirmed in Final Biosecurity Report
A final report from Australia's biosecurity experts has not confirmed the source of the varroa mite, which has significantly impacted Australian beekeeping and pollination.
The federal government's investigation ruled out illegal importation but could not definitively establish the mite's origin or the duration of its presence in Australia before discovery.
The Mite and Its Discovery
Varroa mites feed on bees, reducing their nutrition and weakening their immune systems. Australia was the last inhabited continent without Varroa destructor until its detection in a sentinel hive at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the CSIRO suggest the mite incursion may have started in Kempsey or arrived in both Kempsey and Newcastle around the same time. The report indicated that infected bees might have been moved to Newcastle prior to the mite's identification in sentinel hives. Genetic analysis by the Australian National University suggests the mites likely originated from North America, possibly Canada.
Investigation Findings: Unconfirmed Entry and Origin
The report stated it could not conclusively determine when the varroa mite entered Australia. Data from Newcastle indicated a possible infestation commencement around June 2021, but inconclusive data from the Kempsey region suggests it could have been earlier.
Despite 19 search warrants executed during investigations, the report found insufficient evidence for further inquiry into illegal importation. It concluded that owners associated with initially infested properties were not involved in illegally importing infected bees.
Devastating Industry Impact and Response
Within 18 months of the mite's detection, eradication efforts ceased, and Australia transitioned to managing the varroa mite. This period saw the destruction of approximately 300,000 hives. Managing the parasite is estimated to cost Australian honey and pollination-reliant industries about $70 million annually. In NSW, one in four commercial beekeepers have left the industry since the incursion.
Industry Calls for Action Amidst Ongoing Concerns
Danny Le Feuvre, CEO of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC), stated that the report did not provide the clarity and answers the industry sought, noting that the entry pathway for the pest remains unknown. He highlighted the honey sector's value at $270 million and the $4.2 billion contribution of pollination services to dependent industries, pointing out a risk to food security.
Le Feuvre expressed concern over recent reports of treatment resistance in varroa populations in New South Wales and Queensland. AHBIC has called on the federal government to implement further actions, including a review of biosecurity vulnerabilities and support for ongoing scientific investigations like virus-origin research by NSW DPIRD. The federal government indicated that while the investigation is finalized, further inquiries would occur if new information becomes available.