Surveillance efforts confirm a new infested premise close to Newcastle eradication zone
19 Dec 2022
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) tracing and surveillance work has confirmed a new detection of Varroa mite, close to the edge of the Newcastle eradication zone.
This brings the total number of infected premises to 107 since Varroa mite was first identified during routine surveillance at the Port of Newcastle on 22 June.
NSW DPI Chief Plant Protection Officer Satendra Kumar said the new detection from a premise at Vacy in the Hunter will expand the current eradication zone with a new emergency order now in place.
Tracing is underway to find all possible links to the case and to ensure any at risk premises are identified and surveyed.
“NSW DPI is putting significant resources into surveillance across the purple zones, which surround the red zones, and finding new mites through this phase is not unexpected,” Mr Kumar said.
“This latest detection demonstrates the importance of the surveillance within the purple zones in order to delimit the spread of Varroa mite and we remain confident in containment.
“Surveillance across these zones is a priority for the response and our teams have tested close to 12,000 hives as part of this and more than 30,000 hives state-wide.”
As part of the response, all beekeepers are now required to carry out mandatory alcohol washes at least every 16 weeks and must report the results of these washes to NSW DPI.
They can do this by calling DPI on 1800 084 881 or by filling in the online form at dpi.nsw.gov.au
NSW DPI reminds all beekeepers across the State to ensure they are aware of the requirements for each zone and stresses that non-compliance with these requirements can result in significant penalties and fines.
“Achieving the goal of eradication is a shared responsibility between NSW DPI, industry and the community and I would like thank all those supporting this through what we know is a difficult time for many people.” Dr Kumar said.
More information is available from NSW DPI: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa
Media contact: Public Information Officer 0438 097 278
