Varroa mite has been detected in sentinel beehives near the Port of Newcastle
To protect the NSW honey industry an eradication plan is in place and a Biosecurity Control Order has been issued for the area within a 50 km radius of the Port of Newcastle.
Under the Control Order all beekeepers with hives within the zone are required to report the location of those hives via the online form at https://fal.cn/3pJRY or by emailing hive.location@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au or by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
No hive or bees can be moved within the zone and no honey or comb can be removed from hives.
Varroa mites are tiny reddish-brown parasites and individual mites are easy to see and identify. They have the potential to cost Australia’s honey industry more than $70 million per year.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Local Land Services NSW Australian Honey Bee Industry Council
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