Varroa Update 16

Media Release

10 November 2006

Varroa Update 16

A new varroa movement control line, that includes a five kilometre buffer zone, has been established in consultation with affected beekeepers. The controlled area notice declared in June has been revoked and replaced with a new controlled area notice which took effect at 1 pm on Thursday 9 November 2006.

“Our testing has shown no evidence of varroa in the West Coast or Buller regions. Therefore we have reduced the size of the controlled area by excluding these regions, freeing up movements for local beekeepers,” Biosecurity New Zealand Senior Policy Analyst Paul Bolger said today.

“Beekeepers in Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough still require permission from an Inspector or Authorised Person appointed under the Biosecurity Act 1993 to move hives, beekeeping equipment and some types of unprocessed bee products into, within, or out of the controlled area.

A full description and map of the new controlled area is available on www.biosecurity.govt.nz

Mr Bolger said the movement control line will be reviewed if evidence of varroa is found outside the controlled area in the South Island.

Laboratory trials are being conducted on four chemicals that could be used in a feral (wild) bee poisoning programme. A controlled field trial on bees will be conducted in Nelson in December 2006. Poisoning of feral bees throughout the infested area is scheduled for February 2007.

“We appreciate the assistance of the beekeeping industry and the public during this response. Work to make the Nelson area ‘bee-free’ is continuing with over 200 feral bee colonies in the infested area killed to date,” said Paul Bolger.

The use of chemicals for poisoning feral bees means that honey from wild hives in this region must not be consumed.

The public are requested to report any feral bee colonies or swarms in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas to 0800 80 99 66.

ENDS

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