The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has confirmed a new Varroa mite detection in Narrabri is epidemiologically linked to previously known cases in the Newcastle area.
It comes as the NSW DPI extended the emergency zone at the weekend following the discovery of further infestations at Tanilba Bay, Salt Ash and Mayfield East.
Acting chief plant protection officer Dr Chris Anderson said close epidemiological links in all cases so far meant the NSW DPI and the apiary industry had a good opportunity to eradicate the biosecurity threat and stop the onset of the parasitic disease.
“The honeybee beehives at this property had been stored for a number of months within proximity to an existing infested premises in the Newcastle area before recently being moved to Narrabri,” he explained.
“Further reporting by beekeepers and investigations by NSW DPI officers identified the infestation at the property and established a new emergency zone around it.”
The NSW DPI has now established emergency zones around a total of 19 infested premises since Varroa mite was first identified during routine surveillance at the Port of Newcastle on 22 June.
This includes additional confirmed cases at Lambton and Ferodale, which fall within previously declared zones.
NSW DPI has been working with apiary industry bodies and stakeholders to ensure beekeepers are informed and empowered to be part of this critical response.
“We’ve put significant measures in place to arrest the spread of the threat,” Dr Anderson said.
“NSW DPI continues to ask all people who have acquired honeybees (including queen bees, nucleus hives and hives with honeybees) from within the 50km emergency notification zone of the Port of Newcastle in the past 12 months to report them to help ensure business continuity for the bee industry.
“Community reporting will importantly help us facilitate and free up the movement of honeybees in the rest of NSW, especially around almond pollination.
“Beekeepers are reminded of the group permit that allows flood affected honeybees and hives in current flood watch areas to be moved to a higher location on premises, or if that’s not possible, within the same emergency zone.
“After the hives have been moved as per this permit, they cannot be moved back to the original location.
“Notification of any change in location must be notified by the Beekeeper Notification – Varroa mite online form at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa”
