Bee-killing Varroa Mites Found 5km South of Queensland Border

An outbreak of the world's deadliest bee parasite, varroa destructor mite, has been found less than 5 kilometres from the Queensland border — the closest detection to date. The hives in three apiaries near Boggabilla, south-east of Goondiwindi, were identified last week during a surveillance check by officers from both the New South Wales and Queensland Departments of Primary Industries. Australia has given up the fight to eradicate the deadly varroa mite, agreeing to move to a management plan.