AHBIC Industry Update 70 – Varroa Detection South Australia
4 September 2025South Australia Varroa Detection Varroa mites have been detected in hives in South Australia, east of Waikerie, during routine PIRSA surveillance. Hives from Queensland that moved into SA under permit […]
South Australia Varroa Detection
Varroa mites have been detected in hives in South Australia, east of Waikerie, during routine PIRSA surveillance. Hives from Queensland that moved into SA under permit have tested positive at low levels for varroa. PIRSA is urging any beekeepers within 25km of the IP to notify the PIRSA Apiary Unit for assistance pirsa.beebiosecurity@sa.gov.au.
PIRSA are continuing to do surveillance in the area to understand if there has been any spread. They will assist any beekeepers within the 25km radius of the IP with biosecurity advice, surveillance and management options should they need it. Under the agreed “South Australian Varroa Program Detection Response & Transition to Management Plan” the South Australian Government will not euthanise hives or attempt eradication.
This detection is a blow for SA beekeepers who have been enduring the worst drought and lowest honey production for many in living memory. However, experience from eastern states suggests that the spread is slow and it is not expected to impact beekeepers this season in SA. It has been demonstrated that when detected early, as is the case here, it takes time to establish and reach treatment thresholds so spread is usually slow and beekeepers have time to prepare.
Check your Hives!!
AHBIC reminds beekeepers across South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania that it is more important than ever to conduct surveillance on colonies in your care. With spring conditions on the way, checking hives for presence of varroa using one of the preferred methods is essential. In those states free of varroa, if you suspect you have found mites then ring the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.
This is a stressful time for beekeepers across the industry, and we remind beekeepers that there is support and help if you need it. In South Australia the following contacts for PIRSA and services are available to beekeepers.
PIRSA Apiary Unit:
Exotic Pest Hotline
(to notify detection / suspected detection):
- Freecall 1800 084 881
VDO support:
Please direct enquires for VDO support to our Extension and Engagement Co-ordinator:
Rahul Shankar
0408 612 856
Rahul.Shankar@sa.gov.au or pirsa.beebiosecurity@sa.gov.au
Mental health and financial support are available from:
- Beyond Blue, 1300 22 46 36
- Lifeline, 13 11 14
- Rural Aid (Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm), 1300 175 594
- Rural Financial Counselling Services
You can reach out to AHBIC via:
National Varroa Mite Coordinator
Bianca Giggins
0402 467 780
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.