Waiting game for local beekeepers

GUEST speaker Shane Doran from Wondermazing Honeybees at last month’s Mansfield and District (MAD) bee group’s monthly meeting didn’t pull any punches when he said that 80 per cent of the 20 beekeepers in the room would lose their hives to Varroa. While it was not the news local beekeepers, most of whom are hobbyists, wanted to hear, Mr Doran used the analogy of COVID that even with treatment, there will be losses. “But don’t say I’m a bad beekeeper when it is not your fault,” he said. He stressed that the “key takeaway” of the talk was to remember that you are not bad. The former school teacher turned commercial beekeeper eight years ago and more recently has become, by default, an expert on the Varroa mite, making him a much sought-after speaker across the state and beyond. Mr Doran, who lives in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, also runs Bee Removals Victoria, so he has acquired a considerable knowledge of the bee industry. His passion is such that he is about to undertake a masters in bee research. His knowledge and understanding of the Varroa mite are continually evolving, and Mr Doran describes it as the “most fascinating pest.” The almost two-hour talk involved plenty of interaction, with attendees learning about the history, behaviours, and genetics of the Varroa mite that found its way into Europe in the mid-1800s. The talk also provided many unexpected insights into the complicated lifecycle of the mite. Mr Doran said a Dutch scientist first discovered the Varroa bee mite in 1904 as a parasite of the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana). Due to the movement of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), including colonies in and out of Asia, the Varroa mite took hold of honey bees in Africa, followed by Europe, into the late 1940s. Then, it spread rapidly worldwide, being first detected in the U.S. in 1987 and remains. In response, Mexico and Canada quickly closed their borders to U.S. bees. According to Mr Doran research shows that it can take 50 to 100 years for Varroa mite to accept new food source. This pest weakens and kills honey bee colonies and can transmit honey bee viruses. Australia was the largest honeybee-producing country to be free of Varroa mites (V. destructor and V. Jacobson) until biosecurity officers found Varroa destructor at Newcastle Port on June 22, 2022. The Varroa mites in this incursion are host-specific to European honey bees. Native bees cannot be hosts of Varroa mites, but viruses spread by the mite can spill over into native bees. Mr Doran likened it to the Avian Flu, where wild ducks are not affected but can be carriers. There was some controversy surrounding possible earlier incursions of Varroa into Australia via imported Queen bees that were not Varroa-proof and entry by ships into ports, said Mr Doran, who was critical of the lack of action by the NSW and VicAg departments. “Varroa mite has not been found in Victoria and surveillance for early detection remains our key focus at this time,” said the current update on the Agriculture Victoria website. The consensus among most beekeepers is now not a question of if but when. The AgVic department has determined that eradication is not feasible. The response is now transitioning to ongoing management of the pest. The worrying aspect of the Varroa mite population is its ability to grow as fast as the bee population it feeds on. Mr Doran outlined various means of spreading the Varroa, including the movement of hives. “A permit is required prior to entry into Victoria for the movement of bees, hives, queen bees, used beekeeping equipment, pollen for bee feeding, or bee products (including honeycomb) from all states and territories,” states the AgVic website. “There are only five people looking after the whole state who do a good job, but they are not sitting at the border night and day,” said Mr Doran. It is vital to stay informed of any changes or potential infestations, and several workshops are organised across the state and other states. The National Varroa Mite Management Program is hosting training workshops to provide beekeepers with the latest information on Varroa mites and managing them in their hives. Topics include understanding the Varroa mite and its impacts, the importance of monitoring and treatment thresholds, integrated pest management and Varroa, chemical treatment options, including organic options, brood location, frame rotation and management, and best practice record keeping. Registration is required as places per session are limited. If you have already attended a National Varroa Mite Management Training Workshop in another location, please consider leaving space for beekeepers who have not yet completed this training. The National Varroa Mite Management Program is holding a workshop in Wangaratta for commercial beekeepers on Tuesday, August 13, from 9am to 3pm. The Shepparton workshop, which will be held on Saturday, October 5, from 9am to 3pm, is for recreational beekeepers. Albury will also host a Varroa Management Training Workshop on Sunday, August 18, from 9am to 3pm. Bookings are essential for these free one-day workshops. For venues and other details, visit the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/host/national-varroa-mite-management-program The NEAA (North East Apiarists Association) annual spring field day is a practical workshop covering all aspects of apiculture (including Varroa control). It will be held at Swanpool Hall and tennis courts on October 6 from 8am to 4pm. Details to be advised. This session is recommended for beginner and intermediate beekeepers. The MAD bee group meets every third Thursday of the month at the Mansfield Golf Club and can be contacted via its Facebook page.

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