"Ag minister is confident Varroa can be eliminated"..
New South Wales Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders is confident that authorities can eliminate the varroa mite from the state, despite relaxing a lockdown on the movement of beehives in low-risk areas.
Key points:
- Nearly 2,000 beehives have been destroyed by state authorities since the detection of Varroa destructor
New South Wales Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders says the elimination strategy is ongoing. Currently, hives outside of varroa mite biosecurity zones can be moved with a permit
- Varroa destructor was first detected in surveillance hives in the port of Newcastle late last month and has now been found at 40 properties across New South Wales, including near Narrabri, 400 kilometres from the original site.
- The mite weakens and kills European honey bee colonies, which are vital to the honey and farming industries.
- Speaking to ABC's 7.30, Mr Saunders said the government was embarking on an elimination strategy.
"We believe we can eradicate the mite and, if we can do that then that's a big tick," he said. "Ongoing, that's going to continue to be the plan, but you never say never."
- Varroa destructor has never taken hold in Australia until now, but was intercepted at a Victorian port in 2018.
- A different type of mite, Varroa jacobsoni, was found in Townsville three separate times previously but was eradicated each time.