UPDATE: South Australia has completed the urgent removal of all bee hives linked to the state’s first detection of the dangerous varroa mite. The announcement from Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, comes as ongoing surveillance efforts intensify to protect the state’s vital apiary industry.
The isolation of the varroa mite was confirmed in a managed hive at Pooginook during surveillance activities initiated after the pest’s first detection in New South Wales in 2022. The swift removal of affected hives, transported from Queensland and Western Australia, is a critical step to safeguard local beekeepers amid rising concerns over the pest’s impact on pollination-dependent industries, valued at approximately $1.7 billion to South Australia’s economy.
As part of the containment strategy, PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions) deployed sticky mats and acaricides on the affected orchard. Catch boxes are now in place to capture any remaining bees, and sentinel hives are being established for long-term monitoring. Currently, local beekeepers within a 25-kilometre surveillance buffer are under close watch, with samples sent to the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) for further analysis.
A community meeting is scheduled for 18 September 2025 in Loxton to provide crucial updates to local beekeepers and agricultural stakeholders. Registered beekeepers are encouraged to attend and stay informed through PIRSA’s communications.
The situation remains tense, as officials stress the importance of regular hive inspections.
“Beekeepers are the frontline in managing this pest, and their cooperation in monitoring, reporting, and staying engaged with PIRSA is absolutely vital,”
Scriven emphasized.
In light of the ongoing threat, all beekeepers are urged to ensure they are registered with PIRSA to receive the latest biosecurity updates. Additionally, the new heat map tool launched by PIRSA allows beekeepers to track varroa mite detections across the state, enhancing local engagement in managing this crisis.
The Malinauskas Government is committed to collaborating with the South Australian Varroa Industry Advisory Committee (SAVIAC) and local beekeeping associations to implement the SA Varroa Detection Response and Transition to Management Plan. This proactive approach aims to minimize the varroa mite’s impact while ensuring the continuity of essential agricultural sectors.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With the potential for widespread consequences on food production and pollination services, beekeepers must act swiftly and remain vigilant. The public is urged to share this information widely to raise awareness and support local agriculture during this critical time.
