Beekeeper’s urged to attempt genetic breeding
July 9, 2014
From: ABC/Rural
James Jooste
Beekeepers in Australia are being told to breed healthier bees to protect themselves from a colony killing pest.
Australia is the last country free of the deadly Varroa mite that spreads a virus capable of wiping out honey production.
Dr Jay Evans from the United States Department of Agriculture, says if this country wants to protect the honey industry it needs to act now.
“So there can be selection for resistance to the virus now, even prior to the arrival of mites and that may actually give a buffer of healthy bees in the unfortunate event that mites actually become established in Australia” he said.
The Varroa mite is the leading cause of colony destruction in America and poses a significant threat to Australian honey production.
Leave a Comment