SYDNEY, Jun 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Following the detection of deadly bee parasites, the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), has clamped down to stop the spread of the parasite that could deal millions of dollars of damage to the nation’s honey industry.
Since last night, a 50-kilometre “biosecurity zone” was put in place around Newcastle city, the state’s second-most populous city, meaning, no hive could be moved from within the zone and beekeepers must notify the government of all existing hives and their location.
Last week the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) was made aware of the detection of varroa mite, the most serious pest of honey bees worldwide, during surveillance testing, in the city of Newcastle.
Chief Plant Protection Officer from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Satendra Kumar, said, once detected the hives were immediately contained, the bees were euthanised, and plans were put into place to eradicate any further spread of the parasite.
“Australia is the only major honey producing country free from varroa mite. If varroa mite establishes here, it could cost Australia’s honey industry more than 70 million Australian dollars (about 48 million U.S. dollars) a year, and adversely impact multibillion-dollar plant industries, which rely on bee pollination.”
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Dugald Saunders told Australian national broadcaster, ABC News, today that, the government was still investigating how the parasite got into the country, but would not take any risks.
“The lockdown is a fairly strict one and it’s a message to all beekeepers, both hobby and professionally, that, we need them to be helping monitor the situation and making sure that we don’t see varroa mite spread across the state,” said Saunders.
The tiny reddish-brown varroa mite spreads by attaching itself to drone bees, which drift between surrounding hives.
The DPI has asked citizens to remain vigilant for the parasite presence, and has asked beekeepers to submit a biosecurity concern form, if they detect the parasite.– NNN-AGENCIES
