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Author Topic: Varroa detected in Australia  (Read 45740 times)

Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #160 on: August 19, 2022, 07:53:45 am »




The Green Dots are assessed negative cases.
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14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline BeeMaster2

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #161 on: August 19, 2022, 08:00:17 am »
How is it being hey have all of those negative results in the middle of the hot zone? I tho they were burning all of those hives.
Jim Altmiller
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Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #162 on: August 19, 2022, 08:17:21 am »
How is it being hey have all of those negative results in the middle of the hot zone? I tho they were burning all of those hives.
Jim Altmiller

Same here Jim. It is my opinion those results can not be 'trusted' to hold up. See reply 151
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14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Online Lesgold

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #163 on: August 19, 2022, 06:57:56 pm »
Infected hives that will be destroyed will have a $550 reimbursement paid to the beekeeper. If frames only are destroyed or nucs are burnt, the reimbursement is less. My understanding is that testing will occur in all areas (even in the hot zone) This obviously provides invaluable information. You may have read that the yellow zones have now been removed (turned to blue). This is encouraging.

Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #164 on: August 20, 2022, 11:48:38 pm »
"If they find mites in the hives at the almond farms"

Good point Jim. Lets hope they don't find any varroa in the Almonds. If they do not, such a report will be a wonderful sign! The well informed officials making these decisions must be loosing a lot of seep, while sweating bullets, trying to weight and juggle the facts of the situation while seeking an outcome that will turn out positive for the good of all. What a stressful time of tribulation for these folks... 

Our friend OldBeaveo and Karen may be in the Almonds. The good news is he is not located in NSW if I remember correctly. I feel for him and the other good pollinators who are probably sitting on pins and needles at this point, not knowing what the fate and future will be concerning Varroa Destructor. That goes for all of Australias" Beekeepers. They need our prayers and moral support..

Phillip

What are the reports concerning the bees in the Almonds? Meaning, what are the testing procedures and protocols? 

Phillip
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline max2

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #165 on: August 22, 2022, 02:58:12 am »
Not sure if this will paste...

Two months, 99 infected sites and still no answers on where bee parasite varroa mite came from
ABC Rural
/ By Amelia Bernasconi, Joshua Becker, and Kim Honan
Posted 41m ago
41 minutes ago
, updated 35m ago
35 minutes ago
A beekeeper holds a comb in his hand covered in bees
It's still a mystery where the varroa mite came from but early testing is showing promising results.(ABC Rural: Laurissa Smith)
Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article

Since the varroa mite was found at the Port of Newcastle two months ago, backyard gardeners to big business have kept a close eye on daily developments.

Ninety-nine infected bee hive sites later, the threat of the deadly bee parasite remains for Australia's $70-million-a-year honey industry, and the industries that rely on pollination.

To date, it has been found at New South Wales properties from the Central Coast, through the Hunter and up to the Coffs Coast and inland at Narrabri.

So, what have we learned and where to from here?
Backyard beekeepers beware

Could well-meaning backyard bee enthusiasts bring down Queensland's honey industry?
Bees swarming on an exposed rack from bee hive.
Read more
How did varroa mite get to Australia?

Millions of bees are being destroyed as a result. But how did varroa mite get here?

"It's a little bit too early to say," said Department of Primary Industries (DPI) acting chief plant protection officer, Chris Anderson.

Varroa mite was first detected on June 22 at two sentinel hives at the Port of Newcastle, so it could have come in via ship.

The sentinel hives are designed to detect pests and diseases at their earliest entry and are checked every six to eight weeks.

Given the COVID impacts on shipping, and subsequent delays at the port, the NSW DPI says it is difficult to tell how long the mite could have been lingering.

"One of [the COVID challenges] is the large backlog of container ships sitting off the coast of places like Newcastle," Dr Anderson said.
A close-up of a bee on an orange flower
Bee movements have been halted since June.(ABC Landline: Leah White)

Dr Anderson says there are currently a lot of different theories.

"If you look at the numbers of mites on the IPs [infected premises] around Newcastle, there certainly is a particular area, which is around Williamtown, on both sides of Williamtown, where there are higher numbers of mites than there are anywhere else, which would indicate that that's the epicentre," he said.

"That doesn't indicate that someone has done anything illegal. It may simply be an accidental import on cargo or it may be a swarm that's come off a ship off the coast of Newcastle and has flown into that area."
WA beekeeper on high alert

WA is thousands of kilometres from the varroa mite outbreak near the Port of Newcastle. But it has still put this beekeeper on high alert.
He has a big beard and looks at the camera
Read more
Where in the world did it come from?

Again, we are not sure yet but more testing is underway.

Australia had been one of the few countries around the world to have kept the varroa mite out, and there is a long list of where these mites could have come from ? Asia, Europe, North America, South America or New Zealand.

We know from early testing that the varroa mite that NSW is dealing with does not have any issues with chemical resistance to miticides used overseas.

"Which is good news," Dr Anderson said.

"That means that the chemical applications that we would be using to control varroa in Australia would be effective at this point in time.

"But we still don't have that answer yet on the actual source country, the country of origin."
A man wearing a high vis shirt crouches next to a bee hive.
NSW Apiarists' Association president Steve Fuller says early testing shows positive results.(ABC Rural: Kim Honan)

NSW Apiarists Association head Steve Fuller says that gives some industry some confidence and miticide strips have been bulk ordered.

"It's caught us a little bit unawares because we didn't have a great big stockpile because it has a [short] shelf life," he said.

"I think we had 80,000 come in a couple of weeks ago and we've got another container coming in."

Mr Fuller said most beekeepers would be facing a $50-$80 a year price to have the strips in their hives ? if varroa cannot be eradicated.

"The bees actually brush against the strips and that coats them with a miticide, then the mite comes into contact with it and the mite dies," he said.
Bees swarm
There are conflicting views regarding whether the mite can still be contained.(ABC Rural: Kim Honan)
Can varroa mite be eradicated?

With nearly 100 infected hives, has the horse bolted?

Ben Oldroyd, emeritus professor of biology from the University of Sydney, praised the efforts from industry and government but warned the prospect of eradication was unlikely.

"The first point that we must remember is it's never been eradicated in any other country in the world," he said.

"The second point is that we're probably better prepared than any other country in the world.

"It does seem to me that there are a large number of infected premises and the likelihood of keeping it under control from overseas experience would seem to be very low."

Offline Oldbeavo

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Re: Varroa in Australia
« Reply #166 on: August 22, 2022, 06:16:49 am »
No more new infections for the last few days. They have found 99 in total.
Seems like he control areas are working, They have inspected hives in the 50k radius of infected hives and not found any Varroa outside the 10k infected zone around any infection.
At present they are euthanizing all hives in the 10k zone and once this is done they will move onto destroying feral bees.
I am confident they have things under control, i hope.

Offline Bob Wilson

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Re: Varroa in Australia
« Reply #167 on: August 22, 2022, 01:06:02 pm »
I hope so, Beavo. I tend to think of Varroa like Covid-19. Nations work hard to keep it out, but it's only a matter of time. We eventually learn to live with it as a community.

Offline The15thMember

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #168 on: August 22, 2022, 02:03:07 pm »
Just want to let everyone know that I merged Oldbeavo's topic "Varroa in Australia" with this one.  If anyone has any updates, questions, or comments about varroa's incursion into Australia please post them here instead of starting a new thread.  We are trying to make this a master thread for the discussion so that anyone looking for information on the subject will have it all in one place.  Thanks.  :smile:
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Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #169 on: August 24, 2022, 01:05:15 am »

2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #170 on: August 27, 2022, 06:37:29 am »
From NSW
Saturday 27 August


🐝 Varroa mite emergency response daily update 🐝

🐝 No new detections......

🐝 Euthanasia operations continue in the Eradication zones.....
    Affected beekeepers will be contacted directly by NSW DPI to make arrangements as the operation progresses.

🐝 The response team understands the challenge of this task and thanks the community for working with us.
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline max2

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #171 on: August 29, 2022, 04:41:05 am »
This is the latest:
Dear Beekeeper,

Victoria remains free from Varroa mite.

Agriculture Victoria has reported a detection of Braula fly during surveillance for Varroa mite.

Braula fly is a small species of wingless fly that lives in honeybee colonies and is similar in appearance to Varroa mite.

It is established in Tasmania and is widespread overseas. The fly is considered exotic in Victoria and as such, the bees from the infected hives are being euthanised as a precautionary measure to prevent spread.

Braula fly is not considered to be a serious threat to commercial beekeeping or honey production, but it does affect honeycomb quality.

Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov said the detection highlighted the importance of surveillance programs and well-tested response protocols.

?The detection gives us confidence that the surveillance system is working,? Dr Crnov said.

American foulbrood disease has also been detected in a small number of hives by the surveillance teams during testing for Varroa mite.

The detection of Braula fly is a good reminder for beekeepers to be vigilant and continue to monitor their hives coming into spring.

?We are encouraging people to do these tests regularly and report results,? Dr Crnov said.

Beekeepers need to conduct test for mites, looking for Varroa mite, tropilaelaps, and Braula fly. These tests include the sugar shake test, alcohol wash test and brood uncapping.

?It?s also a good idea to add an extra step to your pest and disease tests with a visual inspection of the bees for Braula fly,? Dr Crnov said.

?We now know that the Braula fly can get caught on the bees and won?t always come away in an alcohol wash or sugar shake, so it?s important that you visually inspect adult bees to check for any Braula fly clinging to their backs.?

Beekeepers also need to inspect their hives for brood diseases ? including American foulbrood, European foulbrood, Chalk foulbrood and Sacbrood.

?If you see anything strange make sure you report it to the relevant authorities,? Dr Crnov said.

?It?s all part of keeping bees, beekeepers and the broader agriculture industry safe.?

To report the presence of an endemic notifiable bee pest or disease contact 136 186 or email  honeybee.biosecurity@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

To report an exotic pest or disease such as Varroa mite, Braula fly, and tropilelaps, immediately call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.


Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #172 on: August 29, 2022, 07:04:08 am »
Max did the report show a 'close up picture' of this detection? Thanks for the updated post.

Phillip
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline max2

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #173 on: August 29, 2022, 07:57:47 am »
No Philip, no picture.
Here is a link to this pest: https://beeaware.org.au/archive-pest/braula-fly/#ad-image-0

One more thing to watch out for

Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #174 on: August 29, 2022, 10:30:23 am »
Thanks Max....
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline The15thMember

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #175 on: August 29, 2022, 12:45:53 pm »
Braula fly is a small species of wingless fly that lives in honeybee colonies and is similar in appearance to Varroa mite.

It is established in Tasmania and is widespread overseas. The fly is considered exotic in Victoria and as such, the bees from the infected hives are being euthanised as a precautionary measure to prevent spread.

Braula fly is not considered to be a serious threat to commercial beekeeping or honey production, but it does affect honeycomb quality.

It's unclear to me why an entire hive would need to be euthanized for this pest.  In the same breath they are recommending killing a colony to prevent the spread, and reassuring you that it's not a serious problem.  How do those things go together?  Braula flies (also commonly and incorrectly called bee lice) are, to the best of our knowledge, a commensalist parasite, meaning a parasite that derives benefit from but does not generally harm its host. 

No Philip, no picture.
Here is a link to this pest: https://beeaware.org.au/archive-pest/braula-fly/#ad-image-0

One more thing to watch out for
This link even mentions this as the only management needed. 
Quote
Generally, Braula fly is not a significant pest of honey bees. In most cases control is not required as Braula fly doesn?t have a significant impact on the colony?s health or honey yields. However, beekeepers specialising in comb honey production may need to consider control measures if Braula fly is present in high numbers during peak production periods. This is because the tunnelling of Braula fly larvae affects the appearance and marketability of honey comb.

Some simple management options exist that can control the impact of Braula fly, these include:

Freezing combs for at least 48 hours. This will kill all life stages of the Braula fly and is a simple method for disinfecting combs that potentially contain Braula fly larvae.
The normal practice of extracting honey is another effective means to control the larval stage of the Braula fly, as the larvae are removed with the caps during the extraction process. This will reduce the population of Braula fly in the hive and reduce the damage they cause for a period of time until the Braula fly population builds up again.
   

Here's another link I found for information about them.
https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bees/bee_louse.htm
« Last Edit: August 29, 2022, 01:08:45 pm by The15thMember »
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Offline max2

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #176 on: August 29, 2022, 06:39:08 pm »
Yes, possibly an overreaction BUT...Australia has been sucessfull in keeping out many diseases and right now we are trying to keep out or control not only Varroa but Foot and Mouth Diseases in cattle  and another cattle disease, a disease in bananas and Papaya...Avian Flue, Swine fever..you name it, it is on our very long border.

Online Ben Framed

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #177 on: September 01, 2022, 12:20:30 pm »
The Good News!!!

No New Detections since August 18!!  That is according to the daily reports put out by NSW: Department of Primary Industries..

Phillip
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Offline max2

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #178 on: September 04, 2022, 10:21:20 pm »
If all beekeepers would do the right thing...

Two-and-a-half months after varroa destructor was detected in New South Wales, another exotic honey bee pest has been found in the state for the first time.
Key points:

    The exotic honey bee parasite braula fly has been detected in NSW for the first time
    It was also detected in Victoria last month during varroa mite surveillance in almond pollination hives
    The NSW DPI says it will investigate the illegal movement of hives from Victoria to NSW

Braula fly, endemic in Tasmania and every continent in the world, was detected in Victoria during varroa mite surveillance of almond hives last month.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has now confirmed a detection of braula fly via the illegal movement of beehives from Victoria to NSW.

"NSW DPI has negotiated the immediate return of the hives back to Victoria and is working with the owner to ensure that there is no risk of spread from these hives and NSW is kept free of braula fly," a spokesperson said.

"Braula is a wingless fly that lives in honey bee colonies but is not considered a significant pest or threat to the welfare of honey bees."

It is a notifiable pest in NSW which means producers have to report any detections to authorities.

NSW Apiarists' Association president Steve Fuller said while not a significant bee threat, the detection of another exotic pest was still very concerning.

"It's not a bad pest like varroa, it's a pest that actually feeds on honey so it damages honeycomb, so producers of honeycomb or what we call chunk comb must freeze it now before they can sell it," he said.

Offline Michael Bush

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Re: Varroa detected in Australia
« Reply #179 on: September 06, 2022, 06:47:06 am »
Braula flies are nothing. They don't cause any serious damage at all.  We freeze all our comb honey before sales not for Braula, but Wax moths.
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