The next step
This is only part of the message - I could not cut and paste the lot - it is very long
Varroa mite eradication shifts to removal of wild European honey
bees ? Jerrys Plains
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is continuing efforts in response to the
Varroa mite incursion, confirmed as Varroa destructor, detected in biosecurity surveillance
hives at the Port of Newcastle.
The apiary industry, Local Land Services, Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife
Service and the Environmental Protection Authority have been welcome and important
partners with NSW DPI in this national response.
Following detection of Varroa mite, our team has worked to contain, trace and eradicate the
bee parasitic mite from zones in NSW. As the response moves closer to all managed
European honey bees within 10km of a Varroa mite infested hive being euthanised, the focus
is shifting to euthanising wild European honeybees within the eradication zone.
Wild European honeybee management plan
Following on from the euthanasia and destruction of recreational and commercially
managed hives within the red eradication emergency zone, the next phase in the eradication
of Varroa mite includes the complete removal of wild European honeybees from the zone.
Information on the emergency zones can be found at
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa.
Euthanasia of wild European honey bees will be completed using a commonly available
insecticide called fipronil. Fipronil bait stations will be located and operated by NSW DPI
within the 10 kilometre zone around each of the premises where Varroa mite was detected
(the Varroa mite red eradication emergency zone).
To ensure the safety of people, animals, livestock and the environment this work is strictly
controlled by NSW DPI, in accordance with an Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines
Authority permit [PER84929v2]. The fipronil bait stations are designed to exclude other
animals and insects, and to prevent contamination of soil and water. While the fipronil bait
stations are in active use the baited area will be supervised by trained staff.
Rollout of the plan