The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) in delivering its key objectives of keeping Fiji safe from the introduction and spread of exotic pests and diseases is continuously working with relevant stakeholders and partners nationally and internationally. In doing so BAF also ensures that where issues are detected which impedes the agricultural industry and biosecurity, it engages in smooth eradication mechanisms to safeguard the respective industry.

In 2018, mites were detected in a bee hive in the central division and identified as the species, Varroa jacobsoni (Acari: Varroidae). Upon confirmatory diagnosis of this exotic incursion, BAF actively expanded the varroa surveillance program and successfully initiated a consultative training program through collaboration with PHEL and AsureQuality New Zealand for the BAF apiculture Team to undergo training on varroa identification, sample collection and treatments.

In this week’s article we take look at what is Varroa Mite and its threat to honey bees.