Race to stop spread of deadly mite found in Australian bee hives for first time | laura_r_chung
More than 600 hives have been destroyed, with the number likely to increase in the coming days
European honey bee populations across Newcastle and the Mid North Coast are being monitored after the deadly varroa mite was detected.Authorities have established biosecurity zones in Newcastle and the Mid North Coast after the mites were detected at eight properties, with those in a 10-kilometre radius to be destroyed.
“The best path forward is to report the locations of potentially impacted hives to aid our response, so we have all the information we need to deal with this as swiftly as possible.” Newcastle Beekeepers will meet with representatives from the NSW Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday night to discuss next steps. Tot is hoping to find out if there are any options other than destruction. If worst comes to worst, Tot said she will be devastated.
Roberts said there was a possibility that, if the varroa mite was not eradicated, there could be flow-on impacts for the agriculture industry which relies on European honeybees for crop pollination, particularly for products like almonds or stone fruits. He added it could also deter hobby beekeepers, who would face even greater challenges in trying to maintain healthy colonies.
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