# Varroa mite infestation in Australia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/varroa-mite-infestation-in-australia > Updated: 2026-09-06T00:40:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Australian beekeeping and agricultural sectors are facing significant biosecurity threats from the Varroa mite, a parasite that kills bees. Following initial detections in New South Wales in 2022, a second wave of the mite was confirmed in April 2026. This newer incursion is reportedly resistant to synthetic chemical treatments, forcing beekeepers to consider more costly organic alternatives. The infestation poses a major risk to national food security, as approximately 35 percent of Australian crops—including almonds, avocados, and various fruits—rely on bee pollination. Economic modeling suggests the mite could cause losses of up to $1.25 billion over the next 30 years, with potential shortfalls of 290,000 commercial honey bee hives during peak pollination periods. Industry leaders have called for increased government support and a shift toward long-term adaptation and education to manage the crisis, noting that the full scale of the threat across eastern and southern states may take months to fully understand. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Australian beekeeping industry faces Varroa mite adaptation Australian beekeepers warn of significant industry shifts and potential pollination shortfalls as they adapt to the Varroa mite crisis, which threatens crops contributing $14.2 billion annually. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-beekeeping-industry-faces-varroa-mite-adaptation ### 2026-08-24: Varroa mite second wave threatens Australian food security A second wave of chemically-resistant Varroa mites in Australia threatens food security, with potential industry losses of $1.25 billion over 30 years due to impacts on bee pollination. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/varroa-mite-second-wave-threatens-australian-food-security --- Cite as: Varroa mite infestation in Australia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/varroa-mite-infestation-in-australia