Varroa mite found in beehive in the Limestone Coast – next steps for beekeepers

Varroa mite has been detected in beehives in the Limestone Coast region near Salt Creek, triggering management arrangements to help contain its spread.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) was notified of a suspected detection of varroa mite in a hive by a South Australian beekeeper undertaking routine surveillance. The sample was collected by PIRSA and has been subsequently confirmed as varroa mite by an entomologist from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

The beekeeper is working with PIRSA to undertake surveillance at linked sites, where additional sampling will be carried out to establish the extent of the incursion.

PIRSA is identifying any other beekeepers in the vicinity of this detection to determine if they are impacted.

This detection is the second time the pest has been found in South Australia following a detection at Pooginook in the Riverland in September. All impacted hives associated with the Pooginook detection were moved out of the state by their interstate owner in compliance with their SA entry permit conditions.

To date there is no evidence that connects this detection to the previous Pooginook detection in the Riverland. A source for this incursion is not known at this stage.

Since the first detection in Australia in NSW in 2022, varroa mite is now established and spreading in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT.

To allow for a thorough assessment of this latest detection, sticky mats and acaricides are being deployed across all potentially impacted hives. Acaracides are a highly effective treatment in the destruction of varroa mite.

PIRSA’s Biosecurity Apiary Unit and Varroa Program Team, including the Varroa Development Officers (VDOs), are working closely with affected beekeepers to define the extent of the detection, slow the spread of varroa mite and help guide management practices.

A movement control has been applied to the affected apiary site to ensure bees, hives, and associated equipment cannot be moved from the sites to allow a thorough traceback assessment, surveillance and treatment.

A Biosecurity Notice to beekeepers has been issued today, and a meeting of the South Australian Varroa Industry Advisory Committee (SAVIAC) has been held.

Any beekeepers who currently have, or since mid October have had, hives within 25km of Salt Creek, or intend to keep hives in the area, are requested to contact the PIRSA Biosecurity Apiary Unit by emailing pirsa.beebiosecurity@sa.gov.au.

PIRSA has undertaken significant industry engagement to prepare beekeepers and associated businesses for varroa mite entering the state, including the development of South Australia’s Transition to Management Plan, developed with industry through the South Australian Varroa Industry Advisory Committee.

All South Australian beekeepers are urged to:

• Inspect their hives regularly using alcohol wash, sugar shake, or sticky mat techniques.
• Report any suspected detections immediately to PIRSA via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
• Ensure they are registered with PIRSA so they can receive up-to-date biosecurity notices and guidance.

Since the establishment of the Transition to Management Plan, PIRSA has employed multiple VDOs to work with industry, and to date they have conducted 664 engagements involving 1,311 beekeepers to educate them on varroa mite.

Further information, including resources for hive monitoring and details of PIRSA’s Varroa Development Officer team, is available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/varroa