Three exotic pests have been identified as high priority pests of the honey bee industry. The climate of Australian honey bee producing areas would allow each of these pests to survive, spread and establish should they be introduced. Any of these pests would have serious consequences should they enter and become established in Australia.
For a complete list of exotic pest threats for the honey bee industry, refer to the Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Plan available by contacting the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC).
Photo by Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Varroa mites (Varroa destructor and V. jacobsoni)
External parasitic mites that feed on the haemolymph of both drone and worker bee larvae and pupae, and adult bees
Detection possible by close examination of brood or testing of adult bees
Symptoms include deformed pupae and adults (stunting, damaged wings, legs and abdomens), Parasitic Mite Syndrome and colony decline
Varroa mites can also spread viruses, further affecting the colony’s health and disease susceptibility
Pests in this category are established in Australia, some only in localised areas and some widespread. These established pests can rapidly affect the strength and productivity of honey bee colonies and are difficult and expensive to manage. Beekeepers should monitor their hives frequently to check for the presence of these pests.
Photo by Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Crown Copyright
American foulbrood (Paenibacillus larvae)
Fatal brood disease caused by a bacterium that is ingested by young bee larvae
Spores germinate in the bee’s gut and the developing bee usually dies at the pre-pupal or pupal stage
Symptoms include irregular brood patterns, sunken and discoloured cell cappings with perforations
Decaying infected larvae may be roped to a distance of 2-3 cm
The bacterium is very infectious and remains dormant for over 50 years
Present throughout Australia, but not confirmed in NT or Kangaroo Island
Invasive and adaptive strain of Asian honey bee (AHB)
Similar appearance to the European honey bee, although is slightly smaller, has more pronounced stripes on its abdomen and has an erratic flying pattern
AHB cannot be managed for honey production or pollination, due to its frequent swarming and tendency to abscond
Robs European honey bees of their honey stores and competes for floral resources
Photo by Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Crown Copyright
Nosemosis (Nosema apis and N. ceranae)
Disease caused by two species of microsporidian parasites which can infect drones, worker bees and queen bees
Spores germinate in the bee’s gut and may cause a declining hive population, poor honey production, reduced brood production and dysentery in and around the hive
Infection results in reduced colony health and performance, as well as heavy winter losses
Both species are present throughout Australia, except N. ceranae which is not present in WA
Photo by Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Crown Copyright
Sacbrood virus (Sacbrood virus (Iflavirus))
A virus that affects bee larvae after consuming contaminated water, pollen or nectar
Symptoms include scattered dead brood with discoloured, sunken or perforated cappings
Infected larvae die shortly after capping and have a yellowish appearance as the larva becomes a fluid filled sac. The skin of the dead larva changes into a tough plastic-like sac
Present throughout Australia, but not confirmed in NT
It is important to find out which pests are reportable in your local area. Some may have been found in your state or territory, but not in your region. If detected, contact your local department of agriculture.
Always obtain a health certificate which has been signed by an apiary inspector from the state or territory of origin before the interstate movement of honey bees, including queen bees, hives, honey bee products and used apiary equipment.
