I would report that identification of the mites have come back as Varroa destructor Korean haplotype. This was as expected seeing as how the bees were from the USA.

Examination for deformed wing virus, slow bee paralysis virus and acute bee paralysis virus proved to be negative. This is an interesting find keeping in mind the debate on importation of drone bee seen and wanting to keep deformed wing virus out of Australia.

The Victorian Department are using State Quarantine Response Team (SQRT) members to carry out examination of hives within two (2) kilometres of the port. This is a precautionary measure and it is expected that there will be no varroa found.

Trevor Weatherhead AM
Executive Director
11 July, 2018

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Most people would have heard about the interception at Melbourne port of a nest of bees which was also found to have varroa mites.

Fortunately it seems that the nest was discovered in time. The chances of varroa having made it into local bees would be very slim. However, as a precaution the State Quarantine Response Team (SQRT) are examining hives in the vicinity and will do this several times.

If you have not seen the Victorian press release of 29 June 2018 it can be viewed at
http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/media-releases/agriculture-victoria-steps-up-surveillance-after-varroa-mite-detection  The Department is also upgrading their Twitter and Facebook accounts with new information.

There is a fact sheet in varroa which can be viewed at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-insects-and-mites/varroa-an-exotic-parasite-mite-of-honey-bees

At this time it is pleasing to see that the system did work and it appears to be well under control.

If there are any significant developments I will put out another bulletin.

Trevor Weatherhead AM
Executive Director
3 July, 2018

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