Varroa Response Update  

6 New Detections 

There have been 6 new infested premises confirmed from NSW DPI Surveillance through laboratory diagnostics and these bring the total infested premises to 137.

The 6 new IP’s are located in Mitchell’s Flat, Booral, two in Mooney Mooney and two in Clarence Town. 

The Mitchell’s Flat detection will extend the RED and PURPLE zones west of the Hunter towards Jerry’s Plains. The Booral detection will extend the RED and PURPLE zones north into the Stroud area and Mooney Mooney detections will extend the RED and PURPLE zones of Central Coast region south towards northern Sydney. The two Clarence Town IP’s were in a purple zone just a few weeks ago, and result in no change to the Varroa mite emergency zone map.  

As well as PURPLE zone surveillance several DPI field crews are also conducting targeted surveillance in the BLUE zone across NSW. This BLUE zone surveillance across the state by DPI field crews is ongoing and has returned no new detections in the last two weeks. Page Break 

Beekeepers in Red Zones 

It is very important that all beekeepers who have hives in the RED zones do not move them from their current location, if you haven’t already, please report hives and apiary locations to the DPI by filling out the online form at dpi.nsw.gov.au or calling 1800 084 881. DPI will make contact with registered beekeepers in the red zones to provide further information. Any beekeepers wanting to retain their hive ware in the recently declared red zones need to let DPI know as soon as possible.  

Beekeepers in Purple Zones 

Bees and hives must not be moved out of the PURPLE zone, you must apply for a movement permit through the DPI before any purple zone bee or hive movement is made, DPI will conduct a risk assessment of the proposed movement and provide you with the details of the result.  

A permit application form can be sought from the DPI website or by contacting Brett Kerruish brett.kerruish@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0427 239 569. All registered beekeepers in the PURPLE  zone are required to conduct an alcohol wash at least once in every 16-week period, and report using the online form www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/alcohol-wash or via Hotline 1800 084 881.  

DPI is close to completing the first round of PURPLE zone surveillance which has been an enormous effort while ongoing extensions to these zones has continued since the start of the year. Registered commercial beekeepers can access PURPLE zone reimbursement payments under the agreed National Response Plan, register all your PURPLE zone hive locations with the DPI to begin the process. 

Beekeepers in Blue Zones 

Beekeepers in the BLUE zone can only move their bees or hives if they fill out a hive movement declaration. (this is different to a permit).  

A movement declaration form can be sought from the DPI website DPI website or by contacting Brett Kerruish brett.kerruish@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0427 239 569.  

All registered beekeepers in the BLUE  zone are required to conduct an alcohol wash at least once in every 16-week period, and report using the online form or via Hotline 1800 084 881.  Refer to the Emergency Order and the FAQ’s pages of the DPI Website for further details. 

Wild European Honeybee Management 

Volunteering to host a station greatly assists the Varroa emergency response as well as your community and Australia’s beekeepers. WEHBM Program team are looking for prospects in all zones if you are able to host a station please contact the DPI.