Varroa mite detected at Port of Melbourne

[Russ]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-06-29/varroa-mite-detected-in-melbourne/9923972

Maybe Melbournian Beeks should check every single hive regularly from now on?

[Milo]

You beat me to it - I was just about to post

Sod everyone else in the world who complains about the Oz bio-security!

[beepro]

If that day arrives then start with some mites resistant bees.  Eventually you will find
some.   And using cap brood removal management method with OAV should keep them in
control.   I don't use OAV anymore so only removing the cap broods to interrupt the mite cycle.  No need to
treat for 4 seasons already. 

[BeeMaster2]

If it came from Texas, it is Varro Destructor.
I recommend you start using small cell foundation or foundation less to give your bees a chance to survive this parasite. 
Jim

[Bamboo]

Thank goodness for strong bio security. More sentinel hives installed so chances of spotting any escapees are good.
It is just a matter of when not if. Enjoy it while we can.

[eltalia]

Thank goodness for strong bio security. More sentinel hives installed so chances of spotting any escapees are good.
It is just a matter of when not if. Enjoy it while we can.

The positive tidbit in the report is that the bees were spotted as many were dead.
That says the colony was in dire peril so hopefully few to none foragers remained
at that time of the ship's docking.

Yet your pessimism is well warranted, and I believe mine also,  as it is exactly this
attitude/approach "then start with some mites resistant bees" that is going to
sink our industry. Also as it is well known many with bees in their backyard
 *will not* practice vigilant hygiene processes the takeup of VD will happen in just
one season.
Closed State borders, which is being touted as a solution to eradication if
VD pops, is not any solution as we see here by report the ship's captain notified the
 find yet the ship was allowed to proceed into our waters and dock.
Such is the true quality of BioSecurity anywhere in the Country... very poor response
policys often excused by lack of funding.

I am ready for VD... spent months at it now in study.
Beyond the few panic merchants locally I cannot say I have ran into anyone
even aware of the depth of the threat, most just simply shrugging an incursion off in
derision... or as that (beepro) passage quoted in that someone will figure out a solution
so proactive is then not their problem.

Bill

[omnimirage]

I believe it's standard in Australia to use small cell foundation? At least, small or large sized foundation isn't offered, and I checked the size of my foundation and it's the same size as what I read is "small sized foundation".

[BeeMaster2]

Omni,
That is a very good thing. It should make a big difference.
Jim

[Lancej]

At this stage all mites were destroyed on the ship. All hives within 2kms of docks are being checked regularly. (Being winter some hives might die) The department of resources are also hunting down any feral hives.

[eltalia]

At this stage all mites were destroyed on the ship. All hives within 2kms of docks are being checked regularly. (Being winter some hives might die) The department of resources are also hunting down any feral hives.

You have the inside running on ground activity Lance?

Bill

[max2]

You can follow the latest here: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/media-releases/agriculture-victoria-steps-up-surveillance-after-varroa-mite-detection

[eltalia]

You can follow the latest here: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/media-releases/agriculture-victoria-steps-up-surveillance-after-varroa-mite-detection

Got them in eMail thanks Max.
I was hoping Lance may be in touch with one of the b'keep crew, or
some hobknob. After that 4Corners piece on whitespot my faith in
the Dept. has run down the gurgler well and truly.

Bill

[Ben Framed]

You fellows should be very concerned about this. There is another concern that I would be on top of if I was an Australian, especially since the ship came from Texas. That would be the Afrinized bee. I read the news report and no where in the report was the concern of testing this rogue colony, as to weather it was Afrinized, mentioned by Mr Nigal Ainsworth.  Good luck cousins ...  Sincerely Phillip Hall

[BeeMaster2]

Another concern I would have from ships arriving from Texas would bee Raspberry Crazy Ants.
A fellow Beek, about 6 miles from me, had a new neighbor move in across the street from him with their horses and equipment. They brought the ants with them and now his farm is over run with them. They cannot keep them out of their house. They are attracted to electrical currents. Houston Space Agency had to shut down their facilities because they could not keep them out of their electrical equipment.
I just talked to another farmer a few days ago near me that is being overrun with them.
Jim

[Ben Framed]

Another concern I would have from ships arriving from Texas would bee Raspberry Crazy Ants.
A fellow Beek, about 6 miles from me, had a new neighbor move in across the street from him with their horses and equipment. They brought the ants with them and now his farm is over run with them. They cannot keep them out of their house. They are attracted to electrical currents. Houston Space Agency had to shut down their facilities because they could not keep them out of their electrical equipment.
I just talked to another farmer a few days ago near me that is being overrun with them.
Jim

Jim I have never heard of this type ant. Is this a native of Texas or was it brought in from abroad? 

[BeeMaster2]

It is an illegal alien.
Jim

[BeeMaster2]

Oops, I meant, an undocumented alien. 
Jim

[Ben Framed]

Oops, I meant, an undocumented alien. 
Jim

About the same thing ? 😁

[Ben Framed]

Oops, I meant, an undocumented alien. 
Jim

About the same thing ? 😁

Invader, unwelcomed guest, lawbreaker, barger inner, illegal opportunist, etc? Woops what am I thinking, bugs can't read? Drop the lawbreaker, illegal opportunist part please. 😊😁

[eltalia]

Getting back on track, and drilling down to the practical, I say about this;
"no where in the report was the concern of testing this rogue colony,"

The colony was euthanased within hours of the ship docking, so with any luck even
orientation had not completed let alone any drone orgy happening - like where would
they find togas on a _ Texan _ ship??
Also the chance of a Texas lady, loaded with VD, rubbing noses on a hibiscus flower with
a sleek Italian prima in Victoria in July is a big stretch, even if they had a day or so to
get through with visa checks excetera.

No room for complacency over this 'invasion' of coastal waters but assuming b'keeps in
Melbourne do not boats shows little understanding of the global beekeeping diversity
of knowledge.
All that said... do keep an eye on your colonys, Aussie beeks.

Bill

[Ben Framed]

For your sake I hope you are right. As I read the report, the captain stated that dead bees were found on the floor of the ship so apparently the bees had indeed " orientated " or at least tried to on their journey , I don't think they were being good little bees and staying put in their place, just because the ship hadn't yet reached dock, of course on the high seas there was no where for them to go but round about the ship, Naturally using plain common scene, the drones would naturally do what most sailors do when arriving at port? I really doubt that they would sit around and wait for the officials to come and Eradicate them with in  "hours" of their arrival in Victoria, or wait to pass customs before taking off,  maybe looking for girls, and unlike a sailor, they need no permission  to leave the ship, no leave of absence, or any bus or taxi to take them to the drone hang out or bar. They have wings to go as they please. So, we in America were also once  Afrinized bee free. How did they reach Florida, I will tell you, on a ship. Your country, your bees , your future, your concern, not mine. I was only trying to help and point out that the mite should not be your only concern, but I say again best of luck to you cousin... And you are welcome for my heart felt concern for your providence weather you appreciate it or not. Reguards, Phillip Hall

[omnimirage]

There already is Africanised bee genetic strains found in Australia bee populations.

[Ben Framed]

There already is Africanised bee genetic strains found in Australia bee populations.

 I am sorry to hear that. I hope its not something that wii  have to deal with anytime soon omnimirage. Here in my part of Mississippi, they have not yet arrived.  Best to you omni. Sincerely, Phillip Hall

[eltalia]

There already is Africanised bee genetic strains found in Australia bee populations.

[cough]

... after 65 years of swallowing my tongue enough chivalrous humilty remains
to say "thankyou omnimirage".


Bill

[Ben Framed]

There already is Africanised bee genetic strains found in Australia bee populations.

[cough]

... after 65 years of swallowing my tongue enough chivalrous humilty remains
to say "thankyou omnimirage".


Bill

[omnimirage]

It's not an issue where I live, as they appear to be mostly in the eastern states.

Here's my source, it's a pretty informative interesting thing to glance over:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-015-0371-0

[Brub58]

But that article says, ?It is clear that these bees are not ?Africanized??.

[Ben Framed]

It's not an issue where I live, as they appear to be mostly in the eastern states.

Here's my source, it's a pretty informative interesting thing to glance over:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-015-0371-0

  I hope that your Africanized bee does not have the temperament of the invader or alien that some of our states are having to deal with here in America. I hope its not the same bee which has invaded us from South America. Some here, on this forum, have suggested we not call them, "killer bees" and prefer, and suggest that I, We, instead call them the Africanized bee. Of course, there are several varieties of bees in Africa, not all being the mean aggressive type. And any cross with any on of these bees from Africa could be rightfully and fairly be called an Africanized gene bee?  Brother Adam searched the world over and spent a lifetime developing a "better bee" and with mixed breeding came up with the buckfast bee. So why would we not call them, the bee from South America, as they are known, killer bees? Brother Adams' bee, a gentle high production bee was, and I suppose still is sought after. Brother Adam and his research concept, was introduced  to me by Mr.Van by google search. But, the strain, that was developed in South America know as "the killer bee" or africanized bee, as some here in America prefer, is no kin to some of the gentle bees carrying (an) Africanized bee gene, such as Bro. Adams', found elsewhere in the world; as far as I know.  As I understand it, the South American bee was developed from a very aggressive African strain of bee, deep in South America and unlike the gentle strain of African bee that Brother Adam used in his development in Europe.
   I am no expert here and do not by any means claim to be. I am new and am constantly trying to learn. If I need to be corrected feel free to do so.
   Have you watched the following video?  If not you may be interested and realize why I spoke up about this concern in my first post in this topic section and said,  " no where in the report was the concern of testing this rogue colony, as to weather it was Africanized, mentioned by Mr Nigal Ainsworth. "  The title of the youtube video is>>> .      Risk Takers - 112 - Killer Bee Removal Expert | FULL LENGTH | MagellanTV   

Best to you all, Phillip Hall

[omnimirage]

It shows in the picture diagrams the percentage of Africanised bees in certain regions.

[Ben Framed]

It shows in the picture diagrams the percentage of Africanised bees in certain regions.

Yes Omni you are right and that's why I submitted my above post number 27 hoping to clarify that there is, or could be a difference in the origin of your Bee and the South American bee, also known here as the Africanized bee or killer bee. I am thinking that Brub58 may have been referring to the killer bee? Just trying to eliminate the confusion. Does your bee in the chart illustrate the freakish aggressive behavior of the South American bee or perhaps the more gentle hard working nature as Brother Adams'bee?  Thanks,  Phillip

[omnimirage]

I don't know but it's a good question.

[eltalia]

I don't know but it's a good question.

In short.. generally we in Aussie have a differing perspective of what constitutes
"aggressive" considering the AMM descendants to be less aggressive than the introduced
Russkys but more aggressive by far than hybridised Italian lines.
But whatever, the Americas experience is creeping in and beesuit sales are soaring!

Bill

[Ben Framed]

I don't know but it's a good question.

In short.. generally we in Aussie have a differing perspective of what constitutes
"aggressive" considering the AMM descendants to be less aggressive than the introduced
Russkys but more aggressive by far than hybridised Italian lines.
But whatever, the Americas experience is creeping in and beesuit sales are soaring!

Bill

 I realize that this topic was about the mite and has gotten of target. Mr Bill if you get a chance to watch the video you will see the ultimate in aggression.  We have been warned for many years here, of it's steady progress through country after country,  steady headed Northward ,(our way),  from  South America. The video that I stated the title on one of the above post, is just one of several that has been made. National Geographic did a documentary about this bee several years ago.

[eltalia]

Post #31 should tell my level of awareness.. I do not know now what else to
add other than all seems well in Melbourne thusfar.

Bill

[Ben Framed]

Ok Bill

Phillip

[eltalia]

https://beemaster.com/forum/index.php?topic=51520.msg456152#msg456152

https://beemaster.com/forum/index.php?topic=51520.msg456171#msg456171

"Sure after what happened at the port it would be the diligent thing to do but would
it have been th same number six months ago?"

Most worth their salt gave been onto it since that VJ intrusion in Townsville
back a while. Whilst I was then well away from the site I was still running 50
odd colonys so I got shod of them whilst I could, expecting the worst and not
able to do the work required. We were moving anyway and I'll confess to being
slack with the few I run now as there is a significant buffer with many a
beekeeper between us and Cairns port with no migratory operators in the district.
Still the day will come so vigilence is paramount.

Bill

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http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-06/varroa-mites-found-in-townsville/7572540