Biosecurity Buzz

AFB Minimisation Strategy

Now we know what happens with our honey samples at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) laboratory, thanks to Technical Officer Belinda O’Rourke’s article. 

My recent request to clubs to engage in the program and have members submit honey samples for AFB testing has resulted in a welcome surge with samples already submitted by five clubs and requests for kits from a further eight NSW clubs and two interstate clubs.

I still have kits available for clubs.  Biosecurity Officers email your request to biosecurity@beekeepers.asn.au and I’ll send a kit with sample jars, labels and return post.  The free anonymous honey test is for NSW club members only, but interstate member’s tests will be paid by the ABA.

The Push for More Mite Treatment Options

My ongoing project to improve our access to scientifically endorsed non-synthetic treatment options outside the highly restrictive and slow APVMA registration process continues.

The Current Situation – It’s Not Good!

Australia has a very limited range of the chemical treatment products, delivery methods and dosages available elsewhere.  There’s a low likelihood of us ever seeing them.  Why?  The APVMA registration process is expensive, and the Australian market is small.  The time it would take for a manufacturer to recover their investment is prohibitive.  Not to mention many beekeepers are already using generic products to keep their bees alive and healthy, potentially dissuading manufacturer investment in Australia.

Another restriction is the outdated labels for products such as oxalic acid.  The original labels were written in a time when our understanding of the product was in its infancy.  There was a concern that mites could develop resistance, so frequency and dosages were restricted.  Recent research has all but dismissed the fear of resistance, but more importantly, it has expanded the range of delivery methods, frequency and dosages. 

A study published in 2023 by University of Florida (https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/iead086) found that four sublimation applications every five or seven days at a dose rate of 4g is the most effective method of reducing mites compared to fogging and dribbling.  The bee and brood numbers had actually increased over the trial period.  It seems from these results that the bees can do much better with scientifically tested strategies that are currently illegal.

Yet, under the current 11year old ApiBioxal emergency permit label, we are restricted to one application per year at a dose of 2.3g.

We now have access to Aluen CAP, a scientifically developed slow-release oxalic acid strip with a high efficacy.  Unfortunately, Aluen CAP was first registered some eight years ago, before the recent research into the delivery method so it’s label also limits the number of annual treatments.  The Australian importer, family business Aluen CAP Australia is attempting to have the Australian label updated in accordance with current information, but that could take quite some time at yet more cost.

Now we have chemical resistant mites, it won’t be long before the two modes of action under which Bayvarol, Apistan and Amitraz are classified will be lost.  Our range of available products was already inadequate, now the situation is a whole lot worse.

More than ever, we need access to up-to-date proven treatment plans, and the status quo seems incapable of delivering them.  So, I continue to encourage our politicians and authorities to adapt to our unfortunate reality.

The first step was to gain the support of our mission from AHBIC at the 2024 AHBIC AGM.  That was passed, though it appears there’s not much in the way of actual support from the state association member bodies of AHBIC.  But they may be taking their own path.

The second step was to write to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry describing the situation and our proposal for an “Own Use Exemption” clause.  The letter was ignored.  No reply.  I’m not surprised, but its rude.  That member no longer serves in the role.

The third step was the launch of a Parliamentary Petition asking for a change to legislation to allow an Australian version of New Zealand’s Own Use Exemption clause.  The New Zealand clause allows any beekeeper to use generic ingredients to produce their own non-synthetic treatments such as oxalic acid/glycerine slow-release strips based on research done by Randy Oliver and others.  They are restricted to treating their own bees.

Many of you signed the petition and I thank you.  I asked the state associations to distribute the Petition link to their members.  With the exception of the Crop Pollinators of Australia Association (CPAA), my request appears to have fallen on deaf ears.  I’m a member of NSW Apiarists’ Association, Queensland Beekeepers’ Association, Victorian Apiarists’ Association, Australian Queen Bee Breeders Association and the CPAA and the only notification I received was from the CPAA.

However, the 1,535 signatures that were registered were enough to compel a response from current the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP.

Her response was predictable, in that politicians are risk averse.  She emphasised her concerns for human health and stated that these are addressed and mitigated through the regulatory process.  She also indicated that NSW DPIRD are leading a path through the APVMA for organic chemical review and approval.

I’ve had brief discussions with the relevant DPIRD people about that process and it sounds promising.  I’m not at liberty to share details though.  However, I’m not one to bet on one horse in a race.  I think getting as many horses in the race as possible increases the chance of a win.

My fourth step was a reply to the minister’s response.  In this approach, I’ve stepped back from directly advocating a particular change to legislation, i.e. Own Use Exemption clause.  Moving forward, my goal is to highlight the shortcomings of the existing process and that there are other better practices globally that might work here.  

 I prepared a supplementary submission consisting of:

• An independent technical briefing note outlining management system characteristics reviewed by a notable bee researcher,
• A summary of emerging resistance observations in Australia
• A brief overview of economic and pollination considerations
• Additional context regarding human safety and treatment standardisation

I also shared the submission several several other ministers to ensure a broader exposure to the situation that might lead to consideration within the relevant departments. 

The minister’s response acknowledged the points raised and was not dismissive.  Her language offers more openings to continue onto the next step currently under development.  Stay tuned to future updates.

What can you do to help?  I’ve been asked by beekeepers across the country how they can help advance the necessary change to help us keep our bees healthy and ultimately help protect our food security.  I’m already seeing crop failures in small producers across my region.  I believe it is the tip of the iceberg as chemical resistant varroa sweep across the country.

Contact your federal member of parliament and share your concerns.  The more of our government representatives that are aware of the situation, the more questions are raised in Canberra.  Afterall, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.  I wonder what government wants to be responsible for the collapse of our agricultural sector, our food security.

If you know anyone in the media looking for a story like this, but you don’t feel comfortable on the public stage, let me know.  I’m happy to talk with them.

I have a set of template emails that you can personalise before sending it to your federal member.  Email me at biosecurity@beekeepers.asn.au and I’ll send you a copy.

With the introduction of a consecutive five-year term limit on ABA committee membership into our constitution last year, I finish up at the next AGM.  However, I won’t stop pursuing this cause.  There are some who would like me to quit, to leave things as they are.  But I’m in it for the long haul.  It took the Kiwis years to bring change to their system, and I’m prepared to continue until we see a positive outcome for all Aussie beekeepers.  With your help we can bring about the change.