23rd April 2026

Second Varroa Mite Incursion Confirmed

NSW DPIRD have confirmed that the resistant mite populations detected in QLD and NSW are a new population of mites un-related to the original 2022 detection. This new population of mites has confirmed genetic resistance to both pyrethroid and amitraz-based treatments. Further work is being undertaken to determine how these mites arrived in Australia and how far they have spread.

So far, the hives tested have not shown presence of any new exotic viruses. However, further genetic analysis of the endemic virus AR1 (aka rhabdovirus) found with these mites, confirms it is an exotic strain and different in origin to the existing endemic AR1 virus associated with the Newcastle original population.

The Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP), drawing on NSW DPIRD tracing and laboratory testing, has verified that this resistant population is present across Queensland and New South Wales. Tracing and subsequent lab testing has also identified that the first mites detected in South Australia’s Riverland to be part of the new population but is not considered to be established.

The CCEPP members agreed that the new incursion of resistant mite populations cannot be eradicated due to a lack of containment and the unknown entry pathway.

Resistant Mites will Spread

Resistant mites appear to be spreading through the trade and movement of live bees and colonies as well as proximity to affected apiaries in both NSW and QLD. The resistance has been recorded across NSW and southern QLD, additional areas are likely to be impacted.

These miticide resistant varroa mites will eventually become widespread, meaning beekeepers will eventually have lower efficacy from key synthetic control tools, and there will become an increased risk of high mite loads and colony losses across Australia.

The messaging remains consistent from the start of the incursion, it is more important than ever to  ROTATE modes of action, and MONITOR mite numbers before, during and after miticide treatments. If you suspect that pyrethroid or amitraz resistance-carrying mites are in your apiaries or in your area, you should not use amitraz or pyrethroid products where possible. Instead use organic acid-based products as there is no known resistance.

If you are already treating with synthetics and suspect resistance, then act swiftly to test your colonies via state Bee Biosecurity Officer assistance or privatised testing facilities. Confirmed synthetic treatment failures will require changing management practices including integrated pest management and using only organically derived treatments to give your colonies the best chance of survival.

Taking Care of Yourself and your Mates

We acknowledge that these ongoing challenges for our industry can be incredibly difficult to navigate. We encourage you to reach out to available resources for professional support if you feel you need it.

• Lifeline, 13 11 14
• Rural Aid (Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm), 1300 175 594
• Rural Financial Counselling Services
• Black Dog Institute
• Beyond Blue, 1300 22 46 36

 

CLICK HERE TO OPEN This Update IN PDF

 

Refer to the AHBIC Varroa Chemical Treatment Table for a quick guide to modes of action and better treatment understanding.

 

 

 

Bianca Giggins

Industry Development Manager

0402 467 780

bianca@honeybee.org.au

AHBIC, its employees, executive and consultants expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person in respect of anything, and the consequences of anything, done or omitted to be done in reliance, whether wholly, partly, upon the whole or any part of the contents of this industry update document.