Australia no longer protects its bees from Varroa

This Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Australia has given up on eradicating Varroa, the devastating parasite that is wiping out bees across the planet.

Varroa is more widespread than expected

Officials have destroyed more than 14,000 hives contaminated by this tiny parasite from Asia, hoping to stop the pest from spreading across the vast island continent. Its presence was first detected north of Sydney in June 2022.

The government acknowledged this Wednesday that its $64 million, or €60 million, eradication plan had not stopped the spread of the parasite and called on beekeepers to prepare to live with it. “The recent spike in new infections clearly shows that Varroa has been around longer and is more widespread than previously thought,” officials said in a statement.

Significant economic effects on agriculture

According to the Australian government, this mite represents the most important “bitter” for bees across the planet.

According to Saul Cunningham, an ecologist at the Australian National University, Varroa also affects agricultural industries that rely on pollination. “This pest can have significant economic consequences for agriculture, so it is important to focus on how to adapt to Varroa,” said Saul Cunningham.

Australian bees are resistant to Varroa, but currently play little role in honey production or agricultural pollination.

AFP