Invasive pests pose a risk to bee populations

A new wave of a bee-killing parasite poses a significant threat to bee populations in Australia, raising alarms about potential impacts on food security. This second incursion features a strain of Varroa mite that is resistant to chemical treatments, first confirmed in April 2026, following its initial detection in NSW in June 2022. The spread of these mites has raised concerns about the availability of bees for pollinating vital crops.