Beekeeping in New Zealand 
New Zealand's beekeeping industry is one of the most progressive in the world. We manage two Pest Management Strategies for the National Beekeepers' Association (NBA) and the Varroa Agency Incorporated (VAI). We also carry out surveillance and emergency response contracts for Biosecurity New Zealand and provide export verification on behalf of the NZ Food Safety Authority (NZFSA).
Varroa Mite Control
Biosecurity Threat
- Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) - external parasite of honey bees that attacks adults bees and their developing larvae and pupae or brood
- Varroa infestation causes decreased brood, deformed bees, and general weakening of the entire colony
- Spreads quickly by travelling with swarms or migrating drones, and by the movement of infested equipment
- Potentially devastating for crop pollination
- Impacts both apiary and horticulture industries
Distribution
Varroa has a worldwide distribution, as yet not found in Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Discovered in New Zealand in April 2000, now widely spread throughout the North Island. A localised infestation was discovered in Nelson and surrounding areas in 2006 and has since spread further afield in the South Island - now known to be in North Canterbury (Sept 2008). The rest of the South Island, and some offshore islands, like the Chathams and Stewart Island, are free of varroa and a surveillance programme has been established that is designed to detect an incursion at a stage where eradication could be considered.
Current
- Following further surveillance finds in 2006 the controlled area and movement control restrictions were lifted.
- Apiary tehnical advisory and educational workshops, including distribution of test kits to beekeepers will continue until end of June 2009.
- The programme is scheduled to continue until end of June 2009.
For latest updates on Varroa Mite incursion and response: www.maf.govt.nz or www.varroa.org.nz.
Also see the pests and diseases section of the Biosecurity New Zealand website www.biosecurity.govt.nz.
Inspection and Detection
All South Island beekeepers should routinely inspect their hives for Varroa mite. For details on inspection techniques and identification of Varroa, refer to the book Control Of Varroa, A Guide for New Zealand Beekeepers. For more information about this publication please refer to www.biosecurity.govt.nz or www.varroa.org.nz.
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