Varroa mite vs feral honey bees – Boiling Point Science interviews Associate Professor Patrick O’Connor

This week on Boiling Point Science, Tim and Chantelle interview Associate Professor Patrick O’Connor from the University of Adelaide to discuss his recent article exploring the role varroa mite could play in managing feral honey bees, and help Australia’s environment

Following the detection of varroa mites in sentinel hives in NSW, an emergency response is underway to contain the spread of this parasite. We discuss the varroa mite, its threat to the honey and broader agricultural industries and Associate Professor O’Connor’s thought-provoking position presented in his recent article, Hear me out – we could use the varroa mite to wipe out feral honey bees, and help Australia’s environment.  

For more information on the emergency response here: NSW Department of Primary Industries

Sources:

https://theconversation.com/hear-me-out-we-could-use-the-varroa-mite-to-wipe-out-feral-honey-bees-and-help-australias-environment-185959

https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-race-to-save-australia%E2%80%99s-bee-industry/13981824