General News
6 October, 2026
Beekeepers ‘sigh of relief’
FAR North Queensland beekeepers have received a welcome boost following official confirmation that recent Varroa destructor mite detections across the Cassowary Coast show no resistance to synthetic chemical treatments.
The results from the Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory in Brisbane follow three separate Varroa incursions confirmed earlier this month in Cardwell, El Arish and Innisfail.
Marking the parasite’s first official appearance in North Queensland, the detections initially sent shockwaves through the local apiary sector.
Now, laboratory analysis of the regional samples have revealed no resistant mutations to synthetic miticides, meaning apiarists can continue utilising standard synthetic treatments alongside organic alternatives, the DPI says.
DPI Varroa mite innovation and resilience initiative manager Robert Stephens highlighted the significance of the findings while reminding apiarists to remain vigilant.
“It is important for Queensland beekeepers to make sure they are testing their hives after they’ve treated for Varroa and looking at how effective those treatments have been,” Mr Stephens said.
“In addition, we’re encouraging beekeepers to take an integrated pest management approach to managing Varroa in their hives and to follow the label instructions of the chemicals and organics they’re applying.”
The DPI noted that the northern incursions likely stemmed from human-assisted movement – a known vulnerability given the migratory nature of commercial beekeeping.
Local advocates, including Cairns and District Beekeepers Association member Aaron Harper, had previously raised concerns over hive movements from known infected areas accelerating the pest’s spread.
Despite the destroyed hives and initial alarm, local industry groups have been actively preparing for the parasite’s arrival.
Nader Sallam, vice president and biosecurity champion for the Cairns association, previously noted that, while the jump north occurred faster than expected, local networks had already begun participating in biosecurity workshops and securing control equipment grants.
Read More: Cassowary Coast