Really interesting, hope the proactive approach is continued and expanded upon. Thanks for posting the information.
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We have a great program here in Victoria - all the more reason to register as a beekeeper so you know what is happening if an outbreak occurs
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I agree, registered first time last year but was unable to set up hive, this spring is getting close!
Micheal, if i may call you Micheal, I sense some sarcasm in your response! I gave us sarcasm as my new year resolution! and i am quite sure we Australians are as efficient as you Americans, being just people!
Yes you do. It is our āsystemā and it is very efficient at spreading diseases. But, of course, that was not itās intent, just the obvious outcomeā¦
Hi guys,
Here is the latest info from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland, Australia) -
Varroa mites (Varroa jacobsoni) were detected in a feral Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) nest in June 2016. The bees were found in an unused container stand at the Port of Townsville.
Varroa mites are a threat to the honey and pollination industry and the wider Australian agricultural industry.
Asian honey bees are the natural host of Varroa jacobsoni. These mites do not normally reproduce on European honey bees. However they have recently been observed reproducing on European honey bees at some overseas locations, raising concerns that the same may happen here.
The response
When the varroa mite were detected, Biosecurity Queensland immediately set up an Emergency Response and implemented a quarantine and surveillance program.
A second Asian honey bee nest containing a single varroa mite was discovered in Annandale in July 2016. To date, ten feral Asian honey bee colonies have been detected in Townsville. No varroa mites have been detected since the nest was found in Annandale.
A Movement Control Order has been extended to cover the local government area of Townsville City Council.
Restrictions have been imposed on the movement of bees and bee hives from the Townsville area to prevent any spread of the mite. From 24 October 2016, the response is being run under a National Varroa Mite Eradication Program, based in Garbutt, Townsville.
The Townsville community, beekeepers and the agricultural sector are being asked to report sightings of Asian honey bees, feral hives, or hives showing symptoms of exotic pests to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
How to identify Asian honey bees
Left - European honey bee (approx.15mm)
Right - Asian honey bee (approx. 10mm)
Size and Colour
Asian honey bees are smaller and less hairy than the European honey bee. They are approximately 10mm long.
Characteristics
Asian honey bees have more prominent and even stripes on the body than European honey bees. When swarming, they move in tight clusters that range from the size of a closed hand to that of a basketball.
Nests
Asian honey bee nests can form almost anywhere including houses, letter boxes, rubbish bins, or guttering.
Varroa mite on bee pupae
Contact us:
13 25 23
Native Californian hereā¦ And niece of an āAhmondā grower.
It is a case of a mono culture issue. The areas where almonds are planted are so heavily planted that hives located in that area year round would need feeding. There is not enough diversity to sustain the hive. Miles of almonds all blooming at once, and then very little else in the area except for grasses and maybe, depending, rice, which is also a grass.There are also irrigation issues that are heavily impacting the drought situation here. And pest managment which affects the bees as well. A horrible eco setup. One giant CharlieFoxtrot. But those almonds are SO valuableā¦
Citrus crops represent a similar problem. And you have to try to imaging the SCALE. California is a huge state;
California: 423,970 kmĀ² or 163,696 miĀ² = Larger than Germany, only slightly smaller than France
Australia 7 659 861 kmĀ² or 2.97 million miĀ² = Victoria + 2 Tasmania.
Itās a real challengeā¦
Here is some more detailed information on their website -