The Earl of Haddingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research has been undertaken or completed into the use of drugs to which the varroa mite may build an immunity, or which drugs are likely to cause a mutation of the varroa bacteria. [HL1867]
§ Lord DonoughueMites may become resistant to any chemical treatment with time. The optimal life of a medicine is maintained by applying it in strict accordance with its label requirements. Research into the efficacy of a product is the responsibility of the manufacturer.
The Earl of Haddingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What work has been undertaken or completed into the mutation of the varroa mite bacteria. [HL1868]
§ Lord DonoughueA MAFF-funded project to develop a varroa mite model has just been completed by the Central Science Laboratory (CSL). As a result a varroa mite calculator and accompanying leaflet have been produced which will help beekeepers assess mite populations in colonies and consequently optimise treatments. This should reduce the risk of resistance to treatments developing through inappropriate use. The model is also currently being applied to a joint CSL/IACR Rothamsted project, also funded by MAFF, which is looking at the role of bee viruses in varroa infestation. MAFF have also just approved funding of a new project to examine potential biological control agents for varroa as alternatives to chemical control. This work is being conducted jointly by Horticulture Research International and IACR Rothamsted.