Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has warned the Minister for Agriculture and the Department to have a plan to deploy resources and prevent a Varroa Mite outbreak in Victoria.
“Australia has had twelve months notice of this pest being a potential threat to our agricultural industry and with the Mite detected in Sunraysia the possibility of spread is very high.”
Varroa Mite attacks and kills the brood in beehives jeopardising the pollination process used throughout many farms in Sunraysia.
“There are over 7800 hives on site where I live alone and over 100,000 in the region.”
A 10km eradication zone has been established around sites that have detected Varroa Mite and a 25km no movement zone has been extended crossing the New South Wales and Victorian Boarder.
“Pollination has almost concluded for the season however with these restrictions in place the bees are in real danger of an environmental catastrophe and can have a real impact on future pollination cycles.”
Beehives on almond farm during the 2023 pollination season
