Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) & Apis florea – Dampier WA

Deformed wing virus (DWV) has been confirmed on a sample of Red Dwarf Honey Bee(RDHB) (Apis florea). The sample was collected as part of Department of Primary industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) eradication response, ongoing since mid-2023 on the Burrup Peninsula near the Port of Dampier in WA’s north.

Samples of the red dwarf honey bee colonies had been tested previously for DWV using the national diagnostic protocol, but did not detect any exotic viruses.

DWV has since been confirmed in low concentrations when an historic sample (collected in August 2023) was retested by DPIRD using a slightly different diagnostic assay for bee viruses. The sample has since been confirmed through secondary testing using the original assay by CSIRO.

DPIRD is increasing surveillance and will commence testing for the presence of the virus in managed and wild European honey bees within and around the Burrup Peninsula, including the City of Karratha.

Quarantine Area for WA Pilbara

An existing Quarantine Area, prohibiting the movement of bees, hives and associated equipment from the area remains in place for the Burrup Peninsula. This will help stop the risk of spread of Red Dwarf Honey Bee and will assist with containment of the virus risk while additional surveillance and testing is completed.

Red Dwarf Honey Bee(RDHB) – Apis florea

Red dwarf honey bee is a known vector for numerous exotic bee pests. It is native to South Asia and parts of South East Asia and has spread to the Middle East and Africa.

To date, 41 red dwarf honey bee colonies and one swarm of red dwarf honey bees have been located and destroyed within the Quarantine Area.

Reports of unusual bees or colonies on the Burrup Peninsula should be made immediately to DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080, email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or via the MyPestGuide Reporter app.

 

Beekeepers: All States & Territories

Continue exotic mite monitoring regularly in your hives, to learn more about alcohol washing check out the nationally agreed resource Bee Pest Blitz: https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/beepestblitz/

 

You can reach out to AHBIC via:

National Varroa Mite Coordinator 

Bianca Giggins

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.