THE next step in preparedness for the possible incursion of Varroa mite, an external parasitic mite that attacks and feeds on honeybees, has been approved by industry and is now available. 

The SA Varroa Detection Response and Transition to Management Plan was developed with industry to prepare beekeepers for Varroa mite and to respond to its detection within SA. 

The small parasite of the European honeybee and Asian honeybee is regarded as the most serious global pest for honeybees, with bees in infested hives dying if left untreated. 

Since its detection in June last year in Newcastle, New South Wales, Varroa mites have now spread to a point in NSW where eradication is considered no longer possible at the national level. 

While it has not been detected in SA, it is estimated that the establishment of Varroa mite in Australia could result in losses of over $70 million a year to pollination-dependent industries. 

The aim of the plan is to assist the apiary industry, including commercial and recreational beekeepers and pollination industries, to prepare for the eventual establishment of Varroa mite in SA. 

This includes keping the state free of Varroa mites for as long as possible, while balancing business continuity and once it is detected, to minimise the impact and provide business continuity through a risk-based approach. 

The plan has been endorsed by PIRSA and is available on their website. 

There are workshops available about the latest information on Varroa mites, including monitoring for and managing Varroa mite in hives. 

The next series of workshops in SA will be delivered in Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier and Adelaide during November and December. 

For more information about the workshops, visit https:// ticketing.humanitix.com/tours /varroa-management-training /667cc49affa15221054a513b.