Varroa Response Update

The total confirmed infected premises is now 148.  It is important to note that due to a change in surveillance and tracing strategies the response is occasionally targeting hives within red zones.  As a result, only 2 of these last 8 IP’s have changed the RED and PURPLE zones.

Two of the most recent new infected premises resulted in an extension to the RED zones in the Hunter Valley areas in Gresford and Sedgefield. DPI has made extensions north west of Gresford to the RED and PURPLE zones and a small extension west of Sedgefield to the RED and PURPLE zones.

The cooperation of industry and the community is vital in helping the response achieve the goal of eradication.

Alcohol Washing

AHBIC reminds beekeepers that you are still required to report your 16 week alcohol washes to the DPI through the website. This is a requirement of the Emergency Order in place in NSW.

The requirement has recently been reduced and depends on the number of hives at each apiary site:

• Less than 26 hives at a site – alcohol wash all hives at that site.
• More than 26 hives at a site – alcohol wash 26 of your hives at each site.

Wild European Honey Bee Management

The euthanasia of wild European honey bees in RED zones is a key component of eradicating Varroa mite.  The wild European honey bee feeder stations are scheduled to be operational from the 5^th April across several of the newly confirmed RED zones including Wherrol Flat, Krambach and extensions of the Newcastle and Central Coast RED zones as well.

Under 10 hives in a RED zone

If you have less than 10 hives in any of the RED zones your colonies may be impacted by the wild European Honey Bee Management Program. It is important to check with the DPI on 1800 084 881 and know your requirements to correctly:

• Remove honey supers prior to 5^th April
• Let DPI know if you wish to retain your hive ware
• Contact the DPI if you plan to euthanise your own hives
• Contact the DPI if your hives show signs of insecticide treatment

DPI are not using field teams to euthanise all hives within the RED zones, if you have under 10 bee hives in the RED zone, all edible hive products are at risk of being exposed to fipronil from 5^th April and this means honey and wax must not be supplied for human consumption.