2nd April 2026

Amitraz Resistant Varroa Confirmed in QLD

Amitraz resistance has been confirmed in Queensland. The same populations that previously tested positive for pyrethroid resistance have now also confirmed to have amitraz resistance. There is little information at this stage and departments in both QLD and NSW are expected to communicate with industry next week, we await further details.

This strengthens the case for this being a new population of mites to the June 2022 incursion and further testing will be important to understand the geographical spread. Being a likely new population of mites means beekeepers that do not have confirmed resistance should continue to use all available miticide options to control mites but ensure you ROTATE modes of action and monitor for efficacy of treatments.

We acknowledge that this news, on top of existing pressures on beekeepers, is a lot to cope with.

Taking Care of Yourself and your Mates

We acknowledge that ongoing challenges facing our industry can be incredibly difficult to navigate. If you are having a really hard day, feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, are experiencing anxiety, depression or looking for ways to support a friend, we encourage you to reach out to available resources for support. Mental health, counselling and financial support are available from many services:

• 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

Did you know?

Beyond Blue have developed “NewAccess”, a tailored mental health coaching program for small business owners, available by phone or online from anywhere in Australia. “NewAccess” is a free, confidential mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, worry and overwhelm. Enquire today online or call: 03 9250 8305

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

 

CLICK HERE TO OPEN This Update IN PDF

 

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.