Varroa Mite Detected in South Australia’s Limestone Coast

South Australian authorities have confirmed a new detection of varroa mite in a beehive near Salt Creek on the Limestone Coast.

The detection was reported by a local beekeeper conducting routine surveillance, with laboratory analysis by the South Australian Research and Development Institute confirming the pest.

PIRSA is now undertaking surveillance at linked sites and has imposed movement controls on the affected apiary to prevent hives and equipment from being relocated until investigations are complete. Sticky mats and acaricides are being deployed across potentially impacted hives to help determine the extent of the incursion.

This is the second detection in South Australia this year, following a separate incident in the Riverland in September. PIRSA says there is currently no evidence linking the two cases.

Authorities are urging any beekeepers who have had hives within 25 kilometres of Salt Creek since mid-October to contact PIRSA.

Beekeepers across the state are also being reminded to undertake alcohol washes, sugar shakes or sticky mat surveillance, and to report any suspected detections immediately.