24 September 2008
MAF Biosecurity to revoke varroa movement controls
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) will revoke all movement controls associated with varroa bee mite, effective from
25 September 2008.
“Seventeen beekeeping operations in Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts have been confirmed positive for varroa. High
levels of mites detected in some operations suggest varroa may have been present for six months which suggests varroa is
established and widespread,” said MAFBNZ Incursion Manager Richard Norman.
“Tracing has identified more than 150 beekeeping operations with hives within 5 kilometre radiuses of apiary sites
belonging to infested operations. These operations are at risk from local spread of varroa. The infestation in North
Canterbury is now beyond the point where it can be eradicated or contained in a localised programme.
“In addition, the high densities of hives in the Canterbury region and the lack of geographical barriers means there is
little scope for an effective movement control line to progressively withdraw down the South Island.
“It has been inevitable that varroa would spread from the Nelson region. Movement controls can only attempt to reduce
the risk of human-assisted spread – they do not address local spread by bees drifting between hives, robbing, and
swarming,” said Richard Norman.
MAFBNZ intends to use some of the remaining funds from the response to help beekeepers in the South Island adapt to the
newly detected spread of varroa through advice, hive testing and education workshops.
“We will also discuss with industry and research providers whether there are immediate, high value research needs that
remaining funds could assist.
“MAFBNZ appreciates the assistance of beekeeping industry leaders and individual beekeepers throughout the varroa
response,” said Richard Norman.
Varroa remains a notifiable organism and beekeepers in uninfested areas should report suspect finds of varroa to MAFBNZ
on 0800 80 99 66.
More information is also available on the MAFBNZ website www.biosecurity.govt.nz.
ENDS