Tasmanian beekeepers are on alert after the mainland gave up on eradicating the varroa mite — but one local apiarist sees the march of the deadly parasitic pest as an 'opportunity' for the island's industry.
Ms McLeod is now urging her fellow keepers to screen for the mite, and is hopeful what she described as the "moat" of Bass Strait would help hold off the mite's spread.Opportunities for improved practice
Mr Wolfhagen said that while the potential spread of the mite to Tasmania would result in extra expenses for his business, it wouldn't threaten the viability of the company. Figures from the country's Landcare Research institute indicate that 6.4 per cent of all living colonies were lost to varroa mites in winter last year, compared to 1.7 per cent in 2017.
"Tasmanian beekeepers are encouraged to remain vigilant and closely monitor their colonies for signs of varroa mite," Biosecurity Tasmania acting general manager Ryan Wilkinson said.
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