Crop industry threat

WITH “a couple of hundred hives” in his care, Penshurst beekeeper, Fraser McKenzie (right) and son Evan are hoping the recent varroa mite detection in NSW will be overcome by authorities and keep Australia the only continent in the world free from the pest which can destroy entire colonies of bees; it attacks both the adults and larvae and typically results in deformed bees. The external parasite has a lifespan of about two months, but without live bees, this is reduced to about three days. Photo: MARK RABICH.

By Mark Rabich

July 12, 2022 | 2:00 PM

AUSTRALIA is the only inhabited continent in the world to remain free of the destructive varroa mite, but local beekeepers have been watching a recent developing situation in NSW which could have ramifications for more than just the local honey industry.

With the detection of the parasitic mite at the Port of Newcastle last month, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) officials have been scrambling to stay one step ahead of the outbreak in order to contain and eradicate the threat and avoid what could cost Australia hundreds of millions of dollars.