Authorities have been forced to cull up to 18 million bees following the discovery of a foreign parasite in NSW that experts warn could cost the honey industry $70 million a year if not contained.
Stephen Targett, chairman of the Australian Honey Bee Council, said the varroa outbreak would not cause a shortage of locally made honey following two strong seasons, but warned of “devastating” consequences for the industry if the outbreak was not contained.Dr Cooper Schouten, a bee expert from Southern Cross University, said that if the varroa mite established itself in Australia, it could cost the honey bee industry $70 million a year.
“Varroa mites affect every other major beekeeping industry in the world, except Australia. The discovery has sent NSW into a bee lockdown – with no honey bees or beekeeping equipment being allowed to be moved across the state with hefty penalties for breaches – as authorities aim to eliminate the parasite.”warned its 2023 crop pollination was at risk if the varroa mite could not be eradicated.
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