A statewide lockdown is now in place prohibiting the movement of any honeybees, honeybee hives or associated equipment anywhere within NSW.

The Biosecurity (Varroa Mite) Emergency Order 2022 (No. 2) took effect at 6pm today and applies to all beekeepers — recreational and commercial. It means that you cannot move your hives, any of your honeybees or any associated equipment from its current location.

This order extends a previous order that applied to a zone within 50 kilometre radius of Newcastle.

Varroa mite has been detected at several properties across New South Wales, and it is suspected to be present at several others.

Police have the authority to stop and fine beekeepers on the spot, and penalties will be heavy.

We urge all beekeepers to co-operate fully with these orders and any biosecurity measures aimed at keeping Australian beekeeping free of varroa. Small inconveniences now will be worth it if we can contain this incursion.

We will post updates when we have further information. Meanwhile, you can contact us on beehelp@beekeepers.asn.au if you have specific queries and we will endeavour to help.

The map below shows the Eradication, Surveillance, Notification and General Biosecurity Zones described in the Order.