Nelson Varroa bee mite incursion - Update #5
29 June 2006
Biosecurity New Zealand is expecting all testing of high risk apiaries to be completed by the middle of next week, Biosecurity New Zealand senior policy analyst Paul Bolger said today.
Investigations based on varroa finds to date have revealed the need to test apiaries in the Hokitika, Takaka, Karamea, Marlborough Sounds and Moutere to create an accurate picture of the extent of the spread of varroa.
"The volume of hive movement and some weather issues has meant the task of defining the area of spread has taken our survey teams longer than first anticipated.
We also need all beekeepers with unregistered hives to come forward. We require a very accurate picture of the current status of all hives and it is very important that people let us know about any unregistered hives as soon as possible.
We know that local beekeepers want to see an early decision on future management options, but it would be irresponsible of Biosecurity to make any decisions until we have clearly defined the extent of the spread.
While assessing the extent of spread, Biosecurity New Zealand is looking at the technical feasibility of different management options, and weighing up the economic social and cultural impacts of each option. If eradication is not feasible, Biosecurity New Zealand will work with the industry to minimize the impacts of varroa.
As of today, 36 apiaries in the Nelson region have been confirmed as varroa-infested, as have a further two apiaries at Tapawera, 30 km south-west of Nelson. Two additional Nelson apiaries are suspected to be infested, but laboratory confirmation is pending.
Biosecurity New Zealand launched an immediate response after a national surveillance programme for the varroa bee mite confirmed the presence of varroa at two sites near Stoke in the Nelson region on Friday 16 June 2006.
Biosecurity New Zealand now has 14 teams in the field – each team comprising of beekeepers and specialist Agriquality staff.
Varroa is an unwanted organism that kills bees. It was first detected in 2000 in Auckland. By the time it was detected, it had spread too far for eradication to be feasible. Instead, the government put in place a programme to slow its spread in the North Island and to try and keep the South Island free of this pest.
A controlled area declaration under section 131 (2) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 has been declared on the following Territorial Authorities: Buller, Marlborough, Tasman Districts and the Nelson City. Movement of all honey bees and related beekeeping materials and products and equipment will require a permit. Permits can be obtained by calling 0800 80 99 66.
Media contact: Tina Nixon, Senior Communications Adviser, Biosecurity New Zealand, 027 223 2789.
To report a suspected exotic pest or disease, call the Emergency Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.