Mutant Mite Threatens To Wipe Out Local Industry

10-June-2009

The discovery in Papua New Guinea of a mutant bee mite which has wiped out up to half the Papuan honey industry, threatens our local crops and bee industry.

 This imminent threat must be taken seriously by the Rudd Government, which has recently cut funding to Quarantine and Bio-security programs by over $35 million.

 The mutant mite which lives on honeybees, has already wiped out honey bee populations around the world, with devastating losses to a wide range of crops dependent on honey bees for pollination. Dr Denis Anderson, a bee pathologist with the CSIRO says that, based on past experiences, the mites will be also carrying exotic viral diseases.

 As honey bees directly contribute to between four and six billion dollars worth of agricultural production, the impact could be immense, with estimates that the first year of an incursion could cost the Australian economy almost $2 billion.

  “Our nation’s food supply, economy and health are being compromised by the Rudd Government  cutting funding to Quarantine and Bio-security programs by over $35 million next year, when we are facing the very real threat of exotic viral disease and pest incursions, such as this mutant bee mite,” said Mrs Mirabella.

 The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries and Resources, which Sophie Mirabella MP was a member of, met with local beekeepers. In its final report, Labor Party Chair, Dick Adams stated;

‘The humble honey bee is one of the most important contributors to the success of Australian agriculture. Many crop and pasture species are heavily or totally reliant on bees for pollination. Commercial prosperity within the agricultural sector requires bees. So does the food security of Australian and the world.’

‘The potential for pests such as Varroa destructor to annihilate feral bee populations decimate managed bees is real. Keeping such pests and diseases from Australian shores should be a priority for governments and industry. Investment in border security measures and research is vital. In this regard, Australia needs to lift its game. In particular, the Committee strongly recommends the creation of a new honey bee quarantine facility and increased funding for the National Sentinel Hive Program.’

 Mrs Mirabella said, “The Agriculture Minister must outline whether a new honey bee quarantine facility is being created and whether the Government has increased funding for the National Sentinel Hive Program.”

 “The Rudd Government must do everything it can to keep the mutated bee mite out of Australia. Our local honey industry will be the first to be affected by this infestation, and I shall maintain vigilance on this major threat.”