The detections of Varroa are a major concern, but Biosecurity Queensland said that it has responded promptly, and is working to manage and contain the threat.

Several species of Varroa mite occur around the world but none are established in Australia. It is a parasite of bees and is a significant pest threat to the honeybee industry and to all the fruit and other crops that rely on bees for pollination. Without pollination, fruit cannot be produced.

“The species of Varroa that was detected – Varroa jacobsoni – typically affects Asian honey bees, not European honey bees that pollinate apple and pear crops in Australia,” says APAL Technical Manager, Angus Crawford.

Biosecurity Queensland are conducting detailed surveillance to determine any further spread of the exotic pest and have asked for people to report bee hives in the affected area.

Asian honeybees occur in tropical climates including parts of Far North Queensland – mostly around Cairns and far from any apple or pear growing regions. Varroa jacobsoni occurs on Asian honeybees and is not likely to transfer to European honey bees with only one case of this happening in Papua New Guinea. However, if the mite was to establish itself in Queensland’s Asian honeybee population, then the chances of the mite crossing over to European honey bees would be higher.

Varroa destructor, which has not been detected, is the one species known to cause the most damage to European honeybees and would pose the biggest threat to Australian horticulture if it established here.

“Varroa mite is a serious pest to contend with and has caused significant problems to honey bees overseas,” Crawford says. “We do not want to have any Varroa in Australia regardless of the species. I encourage apple and pear growers to remain vigilant and report any potential occurrences of exotic pests as usual.”

More information

Those who suspect any of their plants or bees are affected by an exotic plant pest should contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Visit the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website for more information on Varroa mites and updates on the measures being taken regarding these detections.