The Varroa mite (in particular the species Varroa destructor) is a species of mite that feeds off the fat body tissue of adult, pupal and larval bees. As Varroa can transmit viruses like deformed wing virus that can be particularly damaging to bees, they have been recognised as the biggest pest threat to bees worldwide.
Until recently, Australia was one of the last countries in the world free of the mite. However, since its first discovery at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022 Varroa has been detected in bee hives throughout most parts of NSW and now in Victoria. While the initial response strategy focused on complete eradiation, on 19 September 2023 the National Management Group (the peak decision-making body for the national Varroa mite response) made the decision to shift to ongoing management.
The outbreak – and the governmental response – has prompted much discussion within the Australian biosecurity community. In particular, many have focused on the crucial need for strategies to build and maintain social license and trustworthiness before, and during such an outbreak and the period of response.
Aim: This PhD project aims to understand the pathways and drivers for building and maintaining social license during a biosecurity outbreak.
Meet the PhD student for this project
Aphrika Gregson
“Hello, my name is Aphrika, like the continent (though I’ve never been!). I work in plant biosecurity with the NSW Government, specialising in AgVet chemical policy. My role involves advising on pesticide use and supporting biosecurity responses through chemical access.
“I’m also a PhD candidate researching how to build and maintain social licence during biosecurity outbreaks, drawing on lessons from the Varroa mite response in NSW.
“Outside of work and study, I’m all about gardening, walking, and more gardening.”
Supervisors and advisors
Associate Professor Will Grant, The Australian National University (ANU).
Dr Matt Nurse, The Australian National University (ANU).
Dr Connar McShane, James Cook University (JCU).
Dr Chris Anderson, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD).
Approach
The methodologies applied to this project may include:
- Literature review of the pathways and drivers of social license in related activities (e.g. health, agriculture)
- Conducting interviews and surveys of various stakeholders
- Developing case studies
- Analysing existing data, for example social media posts, news articles, etc.
- Generating recommendations that could be used to guide priorities among biosecurity lead agencies and industries to improve consideration of social license in future responses beyond Varroa mite.
Questions? Questions about this project can be directed to Sarah Adams, Chief Operating Officer, at plantbiosecurity@anu.edu.au or +61 459 341 281.