Beekeepers are feeling the sting after an increase in harmful bee-killing diseases, and small businesses are concerned for the safety of their hives.
Former Canberra Region Beekeepers Association committee member, Justin Freeman, was devastated when two of his six hives became infected with the American Foulbrood (AFB), a fatal bacterial disease that affects the honeybee brood.
“The bee eats the AFB spore, … and rots its offspring from the inside out,” he said.
“There’s no real treatment,
“The hives were destroyed by fire.”
According to Mr Freeman, the media coverage had so far covered the Varroa mite, however, he believes the AFB fungus is far more dangerous.
“The news only ever talks about the mite, but AFB is the real hidden killer,” he said.
Owner of Bee Inspired, Rachael Peedon has fears for the safety of her bee farming business as the Varroa destructor mite begins to reach the South Coast.
“It’s like we’re surrounded by it now,” she said.
“People are studying bee genetics, and they hope the bees will be able to defend themselves against it.”
Peedon believes that not only small businesses, but large food industries will face significant turmoil once the mite reaches their hives.
“One-third of food that’s on our plate depends on honeybees to pollinate,” she said.
“If the mite decimates the bee population, then the entire [almond] existence is gone.”
Freeman noted that many beekeepers are unaware that the spores from AFB leave a lasting effect on the ecosystem.
“It can be active in the environment for 70 years,” he said.
In comparison to the mite, Freeman believes there is a lack of knowledge about the harm that the fungus can cause.
“Varroa mite is just one of the threats and challenges bees face,” he said.
“But their other threats are climate change, erratic weather, and AFB.”
Under the NSW Apiaries Act 1985, both Varroa mite and AFB are notifiable diseases. Beekeepers must monitor and report any concerns or existence.
