The varroa mite, which is deadly to bees, has been detected on the central coast as authorities increase the number of hives that are to be destroyed to control the spread of the parasite.
Acting Plant Protection Officer of the NSW Department of Primary Industries Chris Anderson said the agency had established an emergency biosafety area around a property in Calga, west of Gosford , which became effective Thursday.
A biosecurity zone has been created on the Central Coast while authorities are taking steps to control the spread of the varroa mite. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“Since the varroa mite was first identified in the port of Newcastle last week, NSW DPI has been working with organizations and stakeholders in the beekeeping industry to ensure that beekeepers are informed and empowered to be part of of that critical response, ”he said.
“It simply came to our notice then [nine] The infested premises have been located very close by, so the emergency areas covered much of the same areas, but recent detections in Bulahdelah [north of Newcastle] and Calga have expanded the area ”.
Australia was one of the few countries without the mite, but the destructive varroa, commonly called the varroa mite, was detected in surveillance bees in the port of Newcastle last week. The mite affects the ability of European bees to fly, collect food or leave their cells to be born.
NSW authorities on Wednesday established biosecurity zones in Newcastle and the north central coast after mites were detected on eight properties, and those within a 10-kilometer radius would be destroyed. Beehives within a radius of 25 and 50 kilometers will be monitored.
Victoria and Queensland have issued orders restricting the movement of NSW bees to their states, while NSW has issued a statewide bee stop, beehives and equipment after mites were detected.
Earlier this week, the government said more than 600 moths had been destroyed in the Newcastle region, but that number is likely to grow in the coming days.