Very unlikely NZ bees have CCD

Very unlikely NZ bees have CCD

The National Beekeepers’ Association of New Zealand’s co-chief executive, Daniel Paul, doubts New Zealand is seeing the first signs of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder).

Mr Paul was commenting on a NZ Herald article that indicated CCD may be occurring in NZ.

“It’s very unlikely,” he said.

“We’re probably seeing the effects of the increasing resistance to the treatments that are used to control the varroa mite and while that’s not unexpected, it is still a concern.”

Mr Paul is calling for a nationwide bee health survey to be run by the Ministry for Primary Industries, in conjunction with the beekeeping industry.

He said a bee health survey would provide valuable data about what’s happening with the nation’s beehives, which underpin much of the country’s agri-export industries and which are responsible for over $5 billion in GDP.

”We need scientific data that will allow us to track trends and identify potential problems, like significant hive losses, before it becomes too late.”

Mr Paul said the industry is keen to work with government to undertake an annual survey.

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