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National survey launched to tackle Varroa mite threat to honey bees

The survey is open to all beekeepers in Australia, regardless of the type of beekeeping operation or the size of the operation.

The Importance of the Survey

The Australian Colony Loss Survey is a critical component of the national effort to address the Varroa mite outbreak. The Varroa mite is a significant threat to bee colonies, causing widespread damage and loss of honey production.

The survey results will be used to inform the development of a national strategy to address the Varroa mite infestation.

The Varroa Mite Crisis: A Growing Concern for Australian Beekeepers

The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) has conducted a comprehensive survey to assess the impact of the Varroa mite infestation on the country’s beekeeping industry.

Beekeepers face numerous challenges in maintaining Australia’s pollination services.

The survey will be conducted in collaboration with the Australian Beekeepers Association and will be open to all beekeepers in Australia.

The Importance of Beekeeping in Australia

Beekeeping is a vital industry in Australia, providing essential pollination services to the country’s agricultural sector. Without bees, many of Australia’s iconic crops, such as avocados, blueberries, and almonds, would be unable to reproduce. In fact, it’s estimated that one-third of the food we eat is directly or indirectly dependent on bee pollination.

The Challenges Facing Australian Beekeepers

Despite the importance of beekeeping, Australian beekeepers face numerous challenges. These include:

  • Varroa mite infestations, which can decimate bee colonies and spread disease
  • Climate change, which is altering the timing of plant-bee interactions and disrupting pollination patterns
  • Pesticide use, which can harm bees and other pollinators
  • Lack of funding and resources for beekeeping research and education

    • The Survey’s Contribution to the Field of Beekeeping

    The survey will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing Australian beekeepers and the effectiveness of current management practices. By analyzing pre-Varroa data, researchers will be able to identify trends and patterns in colony losses and beekeeping practices. This information will be crucial in informing the development of new management strategies and policies to support the long-term sustainability of the industry.

    Collaboration with the Australian Beekeepers Association

    The survey will be conducted in collaboration with the Australian Beekeepers Association, ensuring that the voices and concerns of beekeepers are heard and represented.

    Project Manager, ANU, Dr Michael Holmes, is calling on all beekeepers to participate. “The survey is about your beekeeping experience from 2023-24 beekeeping season and is for everyone who keeps bees in Australia,” Dr Holmes said. “Whether you are a large-scale commercial beekeeper or have one hive in your backyard; whether you lost all of your hives or none of them in the past year, the information you provide will be crucial to identify trends in Australian beekeeping. “We need as many beekeepers as possible to complete the survey so that we can identify trends in Australian beekeeping and understand the impact of Varroa, other pests and diseases and other issues faced by Australian beekeepers.”

    The survey will be conducted in 5 languages, with 5 questions. There are 2 types of participants: (1) Current University of Cambridge students and staff, and (2) External participants, such as alumni, employers, and industry partners. Text: The voluntary survey is designed to gather valuable insights and feedback from the diverse community of the University of Cambridge. The anonymous nature of the survey aims to encourage honest and candid responses from participants, without fear of repercussions or judgment.

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