The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) hosted an emergency simulation exercise on Thursday for 50 industry representatives, tackling a hypothetical outbreak.

The one-millimetre parasites feed on bee larvae and transmit viruses, eventually killing the hive.

They have never entered Australia, but DPI plant biosecurity director Satendra Kumar said the industry needed to be on the front foot “in peace time”.

“We’re running a simulation for what if we find varroa mite in a beehive here, what would be the steps taken to contain and destroy them?” he said. 

If mites were detected, quarantine zones of up to 25 kilometres would be established and affected hives would be destroyed. 

Beekeeper David Mumford said outbreak would mean pesticide use. 

“It would cost me a lot more to manage my hives, and the overall headache of having a pest in the hive that I don’t need,” he said. 

Exotic pest sightings should be reported by calling 1800 084 881.