As of November 2024, the Varroa mite has not been detected in the Western Australian bee population[4][7]. Western Australia remains free of this pest, and there are strict quarantine and surveillance measures in place to reduce the risk of Varroa mite entering and establishing in the state[4].
## Current Status in Western Australia
**Absence of Varroa Mite**
Both Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni are considered quarantine pests and are absent from Western Australia[4]. The state's pest-free status is maintained through general and specific surveillance programs, as well as specific import requirements to prevent the mite's entry[4].
**Biosecurity Measures**
To protect Western Australia's honey and bee industries:
- A network of sentinel beehives operates at WA ports to detect new incursions of exotic bees and bee pests[4].
- Beekeepers in Western Australia are legally required to register with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to allow for rapid contact tracing and effective communication during a potential biosecurity emergency[4].
- Strict quarantine requirements are in place for importing honey, bee-related products, used beehives, and beekeeping equipment into the state[4].
## Preparedness Efforts
While Varroa mite is not present in Western Australia, the state is taking steps to prepare for potential future incursions:
- DPIRD has secured funding for 2.5 full-time equivalent Varroa development officers as part of the national Transition to Management Plan[7].
- These officers will support the Western Australian bee industry in preparation for potential future Varroa mite incursions[7].
It's important to note that while Western Australia remains Varroa-free, the pest has been detected in other parts of Australia, including New South Wales and Victoria[9]. The geographic isolation of Western Australia provides an advantage in maintaining its pest-free status, but continued vigilance and strict biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent potential future incursions[4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response
[2] https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/bees
[3] https://beeaware.org.au/archive-pest/varroa-mites/
[4] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/bees/varroa-mite-biosecurity-alert
[5] https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/animal/industries/bees/varroa-mite/manage
[6] https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/news-and-events/2023/10/11/varroa-mite-and-bees.html
[7] https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/varroa-development-officers-support-wa-bee-industry
[8] https://agrifutures.com.au/news/learning-how-to-live-with-varroa/
[9] https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/varroa-mite
[10] https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-09-06/beekeepers-fear-wa-not-ready-for-varroa-mite-outbreak/102815442
