Varroa update: 2 July 2022
Biosecurity (Varroa Mite) Order No. 4 is now in effect.
You must not touch or move your hives unless to feed using an approved internal feeder, or to inspect for mites by one of these approved methods:
All beekeepers within the red, purple and yellow zones MUST notify all hive locations, preferably online by completing the Beekeeper Notifications - Varroa mite online form
Sheila Stokes, the ABA’s Industry Liaison Officer continues to work at the Local Control Centre in Maitland, to provide timely and accurate information to our members.
Have a specific query? Contact us on beehelp@beekeepers.asn.au
For support services:
Beyondblue – www.beyondblue.org.au Beyondblue offers online counselling, support and referrals. Phone: 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au Confidential crisis support is available via phone, text or online chat. Phone: 13 11 14 Lifeline Text: 0447 13 11 14 Online chat: www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
NSW Mental Health Line A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about. Phone: 1800 011 511
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program - www.ramhp.com.au Educating, encouraging and linking rural people to mental health support. Phone: 1300 22 46 36
Beekeeper and Industry Briefings
Public briefings for local beekeepers will be held at today Saturday 2 July 2022 at Buladelah and Gosford.
Central Coast- 3-4pm
The Entertainment Grounds (Gosford Race Course), 4 Race Course Way, West Gosford
Parking on-site
Riverdale Room
Bulahdelah 3-4pm
Bulahdelah Showground, Prince Street, Bulahdelah
Please monitor the DPI website for details dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa
Are my native bees safe?
Native bees are not affected by the varroa mite itself, but they may be affected if fipronil is used in your area.
The DPI will make public announcements if fipronil is to be used. Monitor local press and dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa for details.
Native bees are not covered by the Biosecurity Act, or the Current Biosecurity Order, so they may be moved.
New rules on feeding
If your hives are in the blue or yellow zone (more than 25 km from an identified varroa location), you are now allowed to feed your bees using a permitted feeder.
permitted bee feeder means a device for feeding bees attached to a hive and that can only be accessed from inside that hive, by the bees living in that hive. Permitted bee feeders must either:
(a) be new; or
(b) have not been in contact with bees for 10 consecutive days. Sugar and sugar syrup left in the open for bees to access from other than a hive is not a permitted bee feeder.
Why aren’t the DPI emailing me with information?
The DPI are emailing registered beekeepers who have recorded their email address in the DPI registration system. Check your details here.
Not registered with DPI?
How does varroa spread?
Varroa are parasites. They hitch a ride on honeybees and survive by feeding off the body tissue of the bee. They don’t fly but can easily infest a new colony attached to a bee that enters through drifting, robbing or beekeeper manipulation. Mites also transfer from bee to bee at a communal visiting spot, say via a flower (see video), and shift to completely new areas when beekeepers transport infested hives, clothing or equipment. For varroa information, start with beekeepers.asn.au/varroa and beeaware.org.au
Help! This looks like varroa but I’m not sure
If you find something suspicious during a mite check, try to stay calm. Varroa can be difficult to identify so PLEASE contact the DPI immediately for confirmation. Your report could make the difference in this emergency.
Put the suspect material in a zip lock bag and seal up. (Keep a zip lock bag in your kit at all times.) A jar with a tight lid is okay too. Reassemble the hive and call 1800 084 881 for further instructions.
Do not transport the suspect material anywhere: keep it on your premises until contacted.
Meanwhile, bag up all clothing, including shoes on site to prevent further spread. If possible place them in the freezer for 24 hours.
In no circumstances destroy your bees. If this should become necessary, a response team will do this or work with you.
I have a Flow hive. Is this exempt?
No. The order makes no exemptions. The type of hive doesn’t matter. If you keep honeybees, you are subject to the same rules as all beekeepers in NSW. Authorities are busy running an emergency operation to identify and contain trouble spots and they can’t be distracted looking at individual circumstances. Everyone’s cooperation and patience is vital.