Whilst it's very sad you guys have now got varroa. It's not a death sentence, most of the rest of the worlds beekeepers live with the little blighters. There are plenty of effective treatments for keeping their numbers low so that they have little noticeable impact on the bees.
But killing all the bees and burning all those hives, I really feel for any keeper having his livelihood destroyed.
But eradicating feral bees....is that even possible?
How did it arrive? A swarm of bees setting up home on a container ship? Illegal imports of bees?
I agree NigleP. Though not a death sentence, this news is a hit below the belt.
Lets consider:
Even if every single domestic hive which has varroa is eradicated, feral bees which may be affected and harboring Varroa Destructor are still a breeding ground and a solid bridge for varroa. If just 'one' feral hive having varroa is missed, then the spread starts all over again. Millions of dollars wasted not counting the heartbreak and heartache.
I will in no way try and dissuade efforts to control this pest by any method or means our friends see fit to try and deem necessary. At the end of the day they must be able to say "we did our best and we controlled the problem", or "we did our best even if the problem is not solved".
Whether a successful eradication of varroa or not; It may well be time for our friends Down Under to educate themselves about Varroa Destructor if they haven't already...
There is LOADS of GREAT information here at Beemaster for your convenience concerning 'every conceivable aspect' of Varroa; From research papers posted from all over the world concerning every aspect of varroa, including treatment methods along with the breakdown of treating tools. The
Search engine at the top of the page, might be a best friend to our friends from DownUnder at this time, win, lose, or draw...
I think it is safe to say, if we at Beemaster can be of aid, please call on us. Not only will the staff try and help but our many members from all over will try and help as well. I say this with complete confidence.
Sincerely,
Phillip