Scramble to Protect Kangaroo Island Bee Colony from Varroa Mite

The SA government has invested in sentinel hives and employed more biosecurity staff to check ferries arriving at Kangaroo Island in an effort to prevent the spread of varroa mite. The island is an internationally recognised Ligurian bee sanctuary and beekeepers worry the mite could decimate their colonies. Extra biosecurity measures have been announced for Kangaroo Island, which is home to the unique Ligurian bee population. In an effort to stop the spread of the deadly varroa mite parasite, the SA government has announced it is installing early-warning sentinel hives and additional staff to check every ferry going to the island.