Unwanted Varroa mite detected at a Melbourne Dock
- By: "Farm Tender" News
- Machinery & Equipment News
- Jun 29, 2018
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Agriculture Victoria and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) are responding to a detection of varroa mite at the Port of Melbourne.
The detection which was made as a ship arrived at the port and was immediately investigated and treated by DAWR.
Agriculture Victoria is undertaking surveillance in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The mite affects honey bees
The European honey bee plays a key role in the pollination of two thirds of Australia’s horticultural and agricultural crops, including nut crops, canola and cotton.
Australian Honeybee Industry Council representatives have been consulted in relation to the detection and are working closely with Agriculture Victoria and DAWR.
Surveillance activities include the testing of established sentinel hives, the establishment of new sentinel hives and floral sweep netting which is being undertaken in the port precinct and the adjoining parkland.
Laboratory results from the established sentinel hives are negative for varroa mite.
For more information about varroa mite visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au.
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