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.
United States United States Latest News, United States United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »