A deadly parasite that’s ravaged bee populations across the world has made deeper inroads into Australia, setting up the nation for an expensive fight to protect its honey and horticultural industries.

The varroa destructor, a parasitic mite that attaches itself to a bee and feeds on them, has spread further inland across New South Wales and landed on the doorstep of Victoria, the nation’s biggest producer of nuts and fruit. The state’s agricultural authorities say the pest hasn’t been detected there, but it’s a worry for farmers that rely on bees to pollinate their orchards.

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Bee Killing Mite's Rapid Spread Could Cost Australia Billions