Varroa Response Update

NEW SOUTH WALES

A new IP has been confirmed in hives traced from the Kempsey cluster to almond orchard in Balranald, west of the Euston detection in NSW.  The standard 10km RED and 25km PURPLE emergency zones have been put in place. This PURPLE zone also reaches across the boarder into Victoria.

VICTORIA

Varroa mite has NOT been found in Victoria.  In line with Varroa detections in NSW, the new detection at Balranald has resulted in the establishment of two Surveillance Emergency Zone (SEZ) extensions into Victoria, prohibition on the movement of beehives, including any affected livestock products, fodder and fittings, has been established within 25 kilometres of the detections under the Victorian Control Area Order.  No movement is allowed into, within or out of the 25 km zones.

 

AHBIC reminds beekeepers no hives should be moved in, out or within any of the RED or PURPLE emergency zones in Euroley, Euston, Nericon or Balranald at this time.

We are continuing to work with the NSW DPI and AG VIC to find a pragmatic risk managed compromise to facilitate moving hives from these newly declared zones. The reason being to prevent a bigger biosecurity mess occurring.  With the ceasing of almond orchard flowering, surveillance of any hives within the southern NSW zones will dramatically increase bees robbing and heavily impacts large numbers of hives within RED and PURPLE and implicating horticulture industries and beekeepers from across three Australian states.

A meeting of the technical advisory committee (CCEPP) is still planned for 31 August 2023 to consider these recent developments.

Industry Impact

AHBIC recognises the complex pressure that the honey bee industry is currently experiencing. We commend beekeepers who have cooperated with the response, especially several who have dedicated staff and their own time to assist with urgent apiary work to be completed across NSW including on almond orchards.

It is especially important as an industry to check in on our fellow beekeepers wherever they may operate as we navigate through these challenging events together. AHBIC encourages reaching out to registered organisations who are trained and well placed to provide confidential support across a range of services, not limited to beekeepers in zones.

Beyondblue – www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au

 

You can reach out to AHBIC via:

Varroa Coordinator Bianca Giggins bianca@honeybee.org.au  0402 467 780