Resolution:
Determination of the prevalence of amitraz-resistant varroa in Canada
CARRIED | November 2024
STATUS: OPEN
RATIONALE / PURPOSE FOR RESOLUTION:
- Whereas instances of amitraz resistance have been recorded in Canada and many more instances of amitraz resistance have been reported anecdotally.
- Whereas while most beekeepers have moved away from the use of Apivar in recent years the 2023 Risk Assessment on the Importation of US packages has listed resistance to Apivar as a major concern,
- Whereas the development of amitraz-resistance is more likely to have occurred in Canada where the lower levels of amitraz in Apivar as well as less than optimal use of Apivar in hive (eg 1 strip per hive instead of the recommended 2 strips per brood box) and where strips have commonly been left beyond the 56 day period (eg through the winter) are ideal conditions for development of resistance and whereas interprovincial movement is common and the resulting spread of varroa nationwide.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Alberta Beekeepers Commission apply for funding to develop a standardized amitraz-resistance testing protocol in consultation with experts in the field of amitraz-resistance that is well-defined and accurate and allows for rapid testing of this issue to address the needs of the Canadian beekeepers for the importation of packages from the US
And
The Alberta Beekeepers Commission apply for funding to support a nationwide study into the prevalence of amitraz-resistance in Canada.
RESOLUTION BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- Name of producer submitting resolution: Peter Awram
- Name of person seconding resolution: Bill Termeer
UPDATE
