VARROA MITE RESISTANCE DETECTED IN VICTORIA

Victorian authorities have confirmed the detection of Varroa mites resistant to pyrethroid chemical treatments in the state’s north-east, raising further concerns for Australia’s beekeeping sector.

Agriculture Victoria says the resistant mites were likely introduced through hives moved from interstate last year and later sold to a Victorian beekeeper.

The discovery follows earlier detections of chemical-resistant Varroa mites in New South Wales and Queensland earlier this year.

Executive Director of Biosecurity Charlotte Austin says the finding reinforces the need for beekeepers to closely monitor treatment effectiveness and rotate chemicals as part of best-practice management.

She says producers should remain alert for signs treatments are no longer working as expected and report concerns to authorities as soon as possible.

Further laboratory analysis is now underway, with final results expected later this month, while Victoria’s Varroa transition program continues to provide surveillance, apiary inspections and biosecurity support for beekeepers across the state.