Canadian beekeepers are sounding the alarm over a mite that could threaten not only the honey industry, but all ag sectors dependent on bees to pollinate crops.
“We are very concerned about another mite coming in with the potential to totally devastate our industry and cause significant problems,” said Peter Awram, director of the Canadian Beekeeping Federation.
The federation called a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday to highlight the rise of the tropilaelaps mite (colloquially referred to as the “t-mite”).
The t-mite – which feed on developing bees and serve as a vector for viruses — has not yet been detected in Canada. However it’s been reported in Russia, throughout Asia and in Papua New Guinea. Papau New Guinea is 93 kilometres away from major bee trade partner Australia. Bee experts also warn the mite is headed for Europe.
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Awram said the combination of the t-mite and the varroa mite – presently the industry’s most destructive disease pest — would be calamitous.
“We’ve already been suffering considerable problems with bee health because of our long winters,” he said. “A lot of it is in relation to another mite that’s been here for some time, but we are seeing massive bee losses overnight.”
Keeping the t-mite out of Canada
Keeping the mite out of Canada may require limiting trade exposure to infected countries. Alberta Beekeepers Commission President Curtis Miedema called on the federal government to prioritize policy that could help stem this tide.
“We’re hoping to see the government intervene and stop the imports of bees from offshore,” Meidema said. “We feel like North America needs to become a stronghold and keep this mite out.”
Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen has brought a motion to Parliament to address t-mites and a range of other trials facing beekeepers. He said the U.S. is already testing for the mite and searching trade vessels such as container ships.
“We’re hoping that the Canadian government can do something similar: monitor for it and work with the Americans so that we can keep this mite out of North America,” he said.
The motion proposes to restore free trade for honey bee package imports from regional safe zones in the U.S., to prepare an emergency response plan for t-mite, and other measures.
Vierson suggested the development of a North American bee strategy that would coordinate U.S. and Canadian efforts.
