Fears have been raised about the bee pest, varroa mite, possibly entering South Australia through the harbour of Port Pirie.
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The parasite has already sparked alarm in New South Wales after it was detected at the port of Newcastle.
It has the potential to wipe out Australia's honey production if the insect spreads unchecked.
The SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions has put in place a restriction on the introduction of bees, hives and associated beekeeping products and beekeeping property, coming into South Australia from NSW, or any state or territory within which the varroa mite has been detected.
These items cannot be brought into South Australia without written permission of the Chief Inspector of Stock.
The restrictions also apply to any of the following products that have been in NSW since April 1, 2022 but may be seeking to enter SA from another state:
- bees (including queen bees and escorts and queen cells)
- bee colonies (including packages and swarms)
- hives
- components
- apiary products
- apiary appliances
- beekeeping plant.
Port Pirie beekeeper Jeff Keller said he had concerns "arising from ships coming into Port Pirie" and their possibly bringing in the mite.
"It is probably inevitable that at some stage we are probably going to get it," he said.
"Any outbreak of varroa is of concern. When it happened in America it decimated the bee population by about 80 per cent.
"It could have a big impact on Australia's bees. We don't want it. I think we are about the only country that doesn't have it."
Operator of the Port Pirie harbour, Flinders Ports, was contacted for comment.
The mite can be targeted with chemicals, but that flies in the face of Australia's "clean, green" image for honey and other food production.
In NSW, Port Macquarie-Hastings produce farmers are "concerned" as the mite spreads through beehives and forces a state-wide emergency order to halt the movement of bees around the state.
The order was issued after the bug was detected at Newcastle in the state's Hunter region on Friday, June 24.
NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Sanders said on Tuesday, June 28, the deadly mite had been discovered in beehives at three more properties - in Newcastle, Seaham and Bulahdelah, 150km south of Port Macquarie.
The discovery at Bulahdelah means a second biosecurity zone has been set up.
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There are fears that the mite will continue to spread north towards the Mid North Coast to affect beehives on blueberry farms.
The outbreak threatens almond and other nut production because bees are needed to pollinate the trees and plants.
About 600 beehives have been destroyed in an eradication zone in Newcastle so far, according to government authorities.
If the outbreak continues there is concern it will impact food producers around NSW.
About 35 agriculture industries rely on bee pollination, including apples, cherries, almonds and berries.
Greg Mayfield
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
