SA beekeepers with 20 or more hives are being called on to play their part in protecting our state from Varroa mite by sampling 10% of their hives per apiary.
Sampling hives gives PIRSA and industry confidence that SA is free of Varroa mite and protects apiary businesses and associated pollination-dependent industries.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is offering free sampling kits at a series of upcoming workshops across the state.
At the workshops, beekeepers will receive their sampling kits, learn how to sample for Varroa mite, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Workshop dates and locations:
- Murray Bridge, 21 November, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Mt Gambier, 22 November, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Naracoorte, 23 November, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Keith, 24 November, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Loxton, 25 November, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Port Lincoln, 29 November, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Clare, 30 November, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Nuriootpa, 1 December, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Adelaide, 2 December, 6:00–7.30 pm
- Kangaroo Island, rescheduled to 12 December, 2:00–3:30 pm or 6:00–7.30 pm
Venue locations will be confirmed in the coming weeks and communicated to registrants.
PIRSA will cover the costs of sample container delivery and return sample processing.
Beekeepers need to register to attend the workshops so PIRSA can organise enough sampling kits for attendees in advance.
Register to attend a workshop.
Beekeepers are reminded that restrictions continue to be in place for moving bees, hives and associated apiary products, including queen bees from NSW, Victoria and Queensland into South Australia.
Beekeepers need to apply for a permit to import queen bees into SA from Victoria and Queensland with testing, inspection and documentation requirements to be followed. Movements from NSW are not permitted.
See Moving bees and bee products to find out how to apply for a permit for importing queen bees.
Remember, if you notice signs of Varroa mite, including weak hives, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.