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 Varroa Movement Application form to print off and fax to AgriQuality New Zealand (Bee Response Head Quarters) is located here. 13 December 2002 Discussion Document To read the above document please download in pdf format
15 October 2002 VARROA CONTROL COSTS AND THE IMPACT ON SOUTH ISLAND BEEKEEPERS To read the above document please download in pdf format
Thursday 8 August 2002 Surveillance shows varroa bee mite has spread within southern North Island MAF's varroa surveillance programme for the southern North Island today detected an infestation of the varroa bee mite at an apiary near Hayward's Hill, north of Wellington. Two other infestations of varroa have been found further north - one at an apiary in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges near Mangaweka and one at an apiary near Marton. A Varroa Movement Control Line is in place from Taranaki to East Cape to restrict the southward movement of beehives and associated equipment. The latest survey of the southern North Island began in May and has targeted about 450 apiaries, with more results expected during the remainder of August. Paul Bolger, MAF's Varroa Programme Coordinator, said it was expected the survey would detect further instances of the spread of varroa. Most finds, including detections in North Taranaki, the Wanganui River valley, along the Napier-Taupo Road and near Ruatoria, have been within 10 kilometres of the control line and probably result from natural spread. MAF has begun testing and treating further apiaries in the Marton area and is preparing a response for the other new sites. MAF and the National Beekeepers Association will re-evaluate the movement control policy and conditions following these finds. "The control line has remained in place now for two years and has been much more effective in slowing the spread of varroa than most beekeepers expected. We know from international experience that movement controls can never permanently stop the spread of varroa. The control line has effectively given beekeepers in the southern North Island a breathing space to prepare for the eventual arrival of varroa," said Paul Bolger. MAF will continue to advise the beekeeping industry of new varroa finds as the surveillance programme continues. MAF is working with stakeholders to develop a long-term management plan for varroa. Internet link: A map showing the known distribution of varroa as at 1 August 2002 is available here. This map demonstrates the variation in spread between the two 'halves' of the North Island and will be updated at regular intervals. The South Island remains 'varroa free'.
11 July 2002 MAF takes Protect New Zealand Week to the Cook Strait Passengers and vehicles boarding the 2pm Interislander ferry for Picton today were put on full "bee alert", as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) stepped up efforts to combat the risk of infested bees being transported accidentally to the South Island. MAF's Varroa Programme coordinator Paul Bolger said Protect New Zealand Week was a perfect time to raise the profile of ongoing work to reduce the risk of varroa being spread to the South Island. MAF unveiled a new set of signs at ferry terminals for the Interislander and the Lynx, and a 'bee team' will handed out sets of stickers and leaflets carrying the simple message of "No bees to the South Island". New signage was also put in place at CentrePort facilities, MAF Quarantine Service, Pacifica Shipping and Strait Shipping. Signage is also being put up at Picton advising people to report any bees that may have been transported from the North Island. "MAF has been working with the National Beekeepers Association to slow the spread of varroa since the mite was first discovered in Auckland in 2000. The Cook Strait presents a helpful natural barrier to spread, and so we want to take as much advantage of that as possible." "MAF is carrying out surveillance for varroa in the South Island. A comprehensive survey carried out last year showed that the South Island was free of varroa and MAF wants to keep it that way as long as possible." "Our advice to people who travel from the North Island to the South Island, for business or pleasure, is to check their cars, trucks or boats don't contain bees." A limited range of beekeeping equipment can be taken to the South Island if a MAF permit is obtained. "The National Beekeepers Association's Annual Conference is being held next week, from 15 to 18 July, in Auckland. See www.nba.org.nz/agm.html For more information contact: Stephen Olsen, Communications Adviser, MAF Biosecurity Authority 24 May 2002 Strong commitment to lessening the impact of parasitic varroa New funding of $589,000 in Budget 2002 for varroa research demonstrated a strong commitment to provide support to lessen the parasitic bee mite's impact, Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton said today. Mr Sutton said new research would allow further development of varroa control strategies. This should help the beekeeping industry as it moved into the next phase of the management of the varroa problem. Don Bell, president of the National Beekeepers Association, says the research will help to overcome a lack of data about varroa in New Zealand. "We have to remember that varroa is a new pest in New Zealand and development of strategies to cope with it have been hampered by a lack of information in key areas. Given the severity of the current and future economic impact of varroa to our industry and to the primary production sector, research into how varroa behaves in New Zealand will be money well spent. Four projects are already underway and have received one further year of funding to provide robust data. This will allow continuation of research into varroa population dynamics, treatment thresholds, development of an integrated pest management (IPM) programme and methods of application of organic treatments. MAF Varroa Programme Coordinator Paul Bolger says the remainder of the research will cover topics such as measuring resistance of the varroa to chemical controls and initiating a breeding programme for varroa-tolerant bees. "We expect this research to make a definite contribution to assist beekeepers manage the impact of varroa in New Zealand. Investigating the potential for tolerance to varroa through selective breeding is a particuarly exciting prospect and one we will be following closely." Independently of this research, beekeepers are also debating the possible benefits of sourcing genetic material from breeding programmes in other countries. Varroa was first detected in New Zealand in April 2000. The government funded an initial response and has contributed to an interim management plan that has focused on slowing the spread of varroa and mitigating its impact. For further information contact: 28 March 2002 Guideline on use of formic acid for varroa control
Guideline on use of oxalic acid for varroa control
15 March 2002 Organic varroa bee mite controls now available Two new options are being made available to beekeepers for control of the varroa bee mite after the approval of Acting Agriculture Minister Paul Swain was gazetted today. The products are formic acid 85% and oxalic acid dihydrate. The products are cheaper than synthetic chemicals and are also acceptable to organic certification agencies. Mr Swain said the approval provided a breakthrough for beekeepers in their battle with varroa. "Every effort has been taken to ensure beekeepers have these options available to them as part of their arsenal and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will continue to work with beekeepers to assist them to develop new management and control strategies." Approval has been granted by Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton and supported by MAF, the Animal Remedies Board and the Pesticides Board, after a successful technical assessment. Approval has been made under the Animal Products (Ancillary and Transitional Provisions) Act 1999. Both formic acid and oxalic acid dihydrate are naturally occurring in honey at low levels. At this time use of either product is conditional on compliance with a code of practice provided by MAF's Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group. A key requirement is that neither product should be applied when honey boxes are on beehives. In addition MAF has published a guidebook for control of varroa with
detailed instructions on use of the products. The varroa guidebook has been
distributed to beekeepers throughout New Zealand. Copies of the guidebook
are available by writing to: For more information: CATHIE BELL on 04 4719855 or 025 998467 15 February 2002 Beekeepers Endorse Further Varroa Testing & Treatment
12 February 2002 MAF and National Beekeepers Association action further testing & treatment in response to find of varroa bee mite in lower North Island To read the above document/press release please download in pdf format (22.2kb)
8 February 2002 Varroa find at Pauatahanui highlights risk of Varroa spread To read the above document/press release please download in pdf format (21.1kb)
21 December 2001 CHANGES TO VARROA MOVEMENT CONTROLS IN THE RAETIHI AREA To read the above document/letter please download in pdf format (8kb)
SOUTHERN BOUNDARY AREA FOR VARROA MOVEMENT CONTROL To read the above document/letter please download in pdf format (11kb)
22 November 2001 LATEST VARROA TRACKING MAPS Below are two latest maps showing recent spread of the varroa mite.
7th September 2001 LATEST VARROA TRACKING MAPS Below are two latest maps showing recent spread of the varroa mite.
Archive of Varroa Reports previous of July 2001 are available here
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