WA beekeepers are facing uncertainty as federal authorities abandon efforts to eradicate a parasite that’s seen 30,000 hives destroyed on the east coast.

Australia will transition to a management approach of the varroa mite and focus on slowing the spread of the pest, which was first detected in New South Wales last year.

Press PLAY to hear more about the plight facing bee populations

Pemberton beekeeper and WA Bee Industry Council vice chair Mike Cernotta told Jaime Burnett on 6PR Mornings it hasn’t reached the west coast yet, but it is a critical time.

“Because early detection is critical, we need beekeepers in WA to be doing their part but we can’t do it on our own as an industry; we have to have government and industry support,” Mr Cernotta said.