News Release
12 April to 20 April 2000

28 apiaries confirmed with varroa.

Twenty-eight apiaries have been confirmed with hives infected with varroa mite as of last night.

Three new apiaries were confirmed positive yesterday. These were in the Hauraki Plains and close to previously identified infected apiary sites. Nineteen beekeepers have infected apiary sites.

Laboratory results for varroa mite presence at Ohope and Rotorua apiaries have yet to be reported, though the results are expected tonight. Laboratory results for testing on the Otago apiary in the South Island have also yet to be confirmed.

MAF expects to complete its full surveillance of Bay of Plenty apiaries by Monday. Field staff took another 1000 sticky boards from Bay of Plenty hives yesterday for testing. This is in addition to the 1000 boards taken the previous day. MAF has ten entomologists processing the results.

During the Easter break, 15 field teams will continue surveillance work.

To date, 8117 hives on 520 apiaries have been inspected for varroa mite. The Ministry expects that the movement control provisions for the North Island will be reviewed by 28 April 2000, at which time a clear indication of the mites spread will be known. The entire North Island of New Zealand was declared a controlled area by MAF earlier this week to stop the spread and movement of the varroa mite.

Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website homepage at www.maf.govt.nz.

Contacts

Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority. Ph 025-332-509, 04-498-9884.

Lin McKenzie, National Beekeepers Association Executive Member. 025-357-970.

Gita Parsot, Communications Adviser, MAF. 04-498-9806.

Varroa confirmed on Ohope, suspected in Rotorua

The presence of the varroa mite was confirmed in Ohope apiaries late this afternoon, and visually confirmed in hives in Rotorua.

Ohope

An Ohope beekeeper submitted the infected bee samples from his apiaries to the National Plant Pests Reference Laboratory (NPPRL) Laboratory for diagnosis.   These were confirmed positive today.

Previously bees from another of the beekeeper's apiaries turned out to be harbouring the endemic species of mite, Mellitiphis alvearius.   This species is commonly mistaken for varroa.   It is associated with honeybees, but is not a parasite of honeybees.

Rotorua

Visual identification of varroa in Rotorua hives resulted from the on-going tracing work being done by the MAF-led field teams.   This trace came from a Hauraki Plains infected site.   Honey was sent from the site to a Rotorua processing factory for extraction.   Apiaries around the factory are now suspected to be infected.

Laboratory confirmation is expected late tomorrow.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the National Beekeepers Association will be meeting tomorrow to work out the implications of what the latest varroa finds mean for the exotic disease response currently underway.

Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website homepage at www.maf.govt.nz

Contacts

Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority. Ph 025-332-509, 04-498-9884.

Lin McKenzie, National Beekeepers Association Executive Member. 025-357-970.

Gita Parsot, Communications Adviser, MAF. 04-498-9806.

Surveillance for varroa mite continues

Inspection of hives for possible signs of the varroa mite infection in the Bay of Plenty is in full swing today with teams working in Katikati and Te Matai apiary districts.

Field teams will also be surveying the southern boundary of the original controlled area by taking in North Waikato, as well as Waiuku, Pukekawa, Whiri, Huntly, Ngaruawhihia and Orini.   Thames, east of the Hauraki Plains will be inspected, as well as Whitikahu in the north of Hamilton and Te Akau in West Waikato. Northern boundary surveillance will take in West Harbour.   Hotspot surveillance will continue in the Hauraki Plains, around Khere.

The trace team has followed up 548 traces from infected properties to date.   Traces are when bees or hives from one infected property are traced to another property.   The follow up of traces continues today in Waiotapu and Netherton.

A high-risk trace led the field team to a Whangarei beekeeper who purchased hives nine months ago from the Auckland hotspot area.   Apistan diagnostic strips were placed in the hives.

Diagnostic strips were also sent to Great Barrier Island after hives and queen bees from the infested area were sent to apiaries there more than two years ago.   Apistan diagnostic strips are being placed in the hives, with the results expected later this week. The length of time elapsed since the movement means that this is a medium risk trace.

To date, the number of hives inspected is 3145 on 277 apiaries.   Apistan diagnostic strips have been placed in 992 hives on 54 apiaries.

The number of apiaries with hives diagnosed as having the varroa mite stands at 22.   The number of beekeepers with infected properties is 17.   Some beekeepers own more than one of the infected apiaries.

The MAF Exotic Disease hotline (0800-809-966) has received 303 freephone inquiries.   Of these, eight are still pending further enquiries.

Three beekeepers are being investigated by MAF and the Police for movement control violations within the controlled area.   Failure to comply with the movement control conditions is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993.   The penalty for non-compliance is up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for individuals.

Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website homepage at www.maf.govt.nz

Contacts
Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority. Ph 025-332-509, 04-498-9884.
Lin McKenzie, National Beekeepers Association Executive Member. 025-357-970.
Gita Parsot, Communications Adviser, MAF. 04-498-9806.

As you will be aware, we have a Varroa outbreak in the Auckland area.   There has been a good and accurate flow of information via the national media so it is not intended to recap too much here, rather to inform you of what role the Executive is playing in representing your interests.

President Terry Gavin and Lin McKenzie have been in Auckland alongside the MAF and AgriQual teams since Tuesday morning.   Terry has been basing with MAF and keeping our interests to the fore.   The interaction between the two agencies Lin has been keeping the media informed as the situation developed.   Don Bell and Tim Leslie are in Wellington, liasing with Government and in particular with the two ministers mainly concerned, Hon Marion Hobbs and Hon Jim Sutton.

Jane Lorimer and Tony Taiaroa are presently in Auckland and Terry has taken a break.   Lin will also take some time out Tim is having two days out and Don is to head for home on Monday.

Federated Farmers input has been invaluable and the support Don has had from the whole of the staff at Fed's office has been immeasurable.   Graeme Cammell has been co-ordinating beekeeper input to field teams and assisting the Auckland team generally.   Field teams are made up of beekeepers from Waikato and Auckland in the main and as you can imagine, their input is of utmost importance.

It is been disturbing that Exec team member's wives have been fielding phone calls critical of Exec and their performance during this period of crisis.

The Official National Beekeepers Association Web Site address is:
www.nba.org.nz.
MAF Web site address www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/index.htm.
This site contains links to the Varroa page.

If any beekeeper finds anything that suspiciously looks like mites ring 0800 80 99 66.  This is a self-reporting line and any information submittedwill be confidential to MAF.   If you collect bee samples you feel should betested, then send them to the Lincoln Plant Testing unit at Lincoln University.

Other phone numbers are; - Lin McKenzie 025 357970; Auckland H/Q at the Oakwood Manor Hotel 09 2750 539 - room 150; the Wellington team Don Bell and Tim Leslie 04 494 9184.

Preliminary results show suspect apiaries free of varroa

The preliminary results from the Apistan diagnostic strips placed at hives in Tokoroa, Middlemarch and Opotiki apiaries have been negative for the varroa mite.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry sees this as a promising result that the varroa mite is not present at these apiaries.   Bee samples taken from these apiaries also came back negative for varroa.

These results were taken after Apistan strips had been placed in the hives for 24 hours.   A further 24 hours will provide more concrete results.

No hives positively diagnosed with varroa exist outside the initial Upper North Island controlled area.

The controlled area was extended to cover the entire North Island yesterday to stop the spread and movement of the varroa mite.   The decision was made in consultation with the National Beekeepers Association.   The controlled area will be in place for two weeks, with a review of the movement control provision on 28 April 2000, at which time the results of hive testing in the Tauranga and other district apiary zones will be known.

This testing will provide an indication of the status of the rest of the North Island as a result of hive movements from those zones to other North Island locations, following the completion of the last kiwifruit pollination season.

MAF-led field staff will begin to work further afield from the South Auckland hot spot today, and because of this, results are expected to be coming into MAF headquarters slower than previously.   Many results are not expected to be collated by that day's end.

Today, surveillance will extend from the west coast to Waihi, south of the Hauraki Plains.   Field teams will also start surveillance in the Bay of Plenty area where several apiaries that are suspected to be infected with varroa have been used for pollination in the area.   The area also had a high density of hives during November.   Infected hives used for pollination would have subsequently been moved around the country.   Apiaries in the Bay of Plenty region will receive Apistan diagnostic sampling priority.

To date (last night's figures) 1847 hives on 196 apiaries had been inspected by field staff.   Apistan diagnostic strips had been placed in 194 hives on 22 apiaries.

MAF's Exotic Disease Hotline (0800-809-966) has received 258 calls so far, of which only six remain to be followed up.

The number of apiaries diagnosed as having varroa remains at 21.   No hives have been destroyed.

Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website homepage at www.maf.govt.nz

Ref: AX60-101

16 April 2000

To all New Zealand beekeepers

VARROA MITE NORTH ISLAND CONTROLLED AREA

I am writing to update you on the latest developments related to the Varroa investigation currently under way.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), pursuant to section 131(2) of the Biosecurity Act 1993, has extended the movement control provisions in respect of Varroa mite to include all of the North Island of New Zealand.   This measure has been taken in consultation with the National Beekeepers Association (NBA).

However MAF envisages that these movement control provisions will be reviewed by 28 April 2000, at which time the results of testing of hives in apiary zones in the Tauranga and other districts will be known.   This testing will provide an indication of the status of the rest of the North Island, following the movements of hives to many North Island locations after the completion of the last kiwifruit pollination season.

As a result, until further notice movement within or from any part of the North Island of the following items is prohibited:

• Honey bees (meaning Apis mellifera), including package bees, queen bees, and the whole or any part of any dead honey bee.
• Beehives (meaning any thing that is being or has been used for the keeping of honey bees), including nucleus beehives.
• Any part of any beehive, including frames, boxes, lids and bases, and supers of honey.
• Used beekeeping equipment (meaning any thing that is being or has been used in connection with beekeeping).

Movement of the listed items from the North to South Islands remains prohibited.   This prohibition is likely to apply until the status of the South Island is established through surveillance.   Resources are at this stage prioritised to the areas of highest risk in and around known infected areas of the North Island. The status of the South Island will then be established.

This notice does not impose restrictions on the movement of bee products or honey that has been removed from a beehive and processed.

Any person who wishes to obtain the permission of an inspector or authorised person to carry out a movement that would otherwise be prohibited should phone 09-256-9395.

Failure to comply with the conditions of movement control is an offence under the Biosecurity Act.   The Act provides for penalties including imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to $100,000 for individuals committing an offence.   Reports of breaches of movement control can be made by phoning 09-256-9395.

Background

On 11 April 2000 the honey bee mite Varroa jacobsoni was detected in beehives in Otahuhu, South Auckland.   Subsequently, MAF has coordinated a response focussing on delimiting the spread of the mite, utilising the resources of AgriQuality NZ Ltd and the NBA.   As of 15 April 2000, there are 21 known infected apiaries.   These are located in Remuera, Orakei, Manurewa, Mangere, Otahuhu, Papatoetoe, Lynfield and Glendowie in the greater Auckland area, in Pukekohe and Waiuku south of Auckland and in Kaihere and Kerepehi on the Hauraki plains.

The investigation has included three high risk traces (movement of risk materials from the known infected area) to Opotiki, Tokoroa and Middlemarch.   To date, bee samples submitted to the laboratory are negative at these sites.   The Apistan diagnostic technique is being applied and results will be available early this week.

From 16 April 2000, apiary zones in Tauranga and other districts will be surveyed using the Apistan technique.

Beekeepers nationwide have been asked to be on the look out for the following signs in their hives and contact the MAF Exotic Disease Hotline at 0800-809-966 with any concerns:

- Unexpectedly low bee numbers
- A patchy pattern on brood frames as would be seen with a heavy sacbrood infestation
- Small reddish-brown mites on the bodies of bees and on uncapped drone pupae
- Weak crawling bees, possibly with deformed wings
- Sudden hive population crashes.

Callers will be provided with information on how to collect and submit a sample of bees to the laboratory for examination, how to arrange Apistan diagnosis in their hives or when they can expect to be visited by the response team to their hives inspected. (N.b. Priority is being given to establishing the status of the upper North Island).

For further information regarding Varroa visit the NBA website and the MAF website. All further information will be posted on these sites and publicised through media.

MAF and NBA are grateful for the cooperation received to date and look forward to further support from the NZ beekeeping industry in working through the options for the future.

Barry O'Neil
Group Director, MAF Biosecurity Authority

North Island declared a controlled area to stop spread of varroa mite

The entire North Island of New Zealand has been declared a controlled area by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry today to stop the spread and movement of the varroa mite.

The decision has been taken in consultation with the National Beekeeper Association.

The controlled area will be in place for a limited period of two weeks.   The Ministry envisages that the movement control provisions will be reviewed by 28 April 2000, at which time the results of the hive testing in the Tauranga and other district apiary zones, will be known.

This testing will provide an indication of the status of the rest of the North Island as a result of hive movements from those zones to other North Island locations, following the completion of the last kiwifruit pollination season.

The Ministry has extended the controlled area which originally applied to the Rodney District, North Shore City, Waitakere City, Auckland City, Manukau City, Papakura District, Franklin District, Waikato District, Hamilton City, and Hauraki District, to include the entire North Island.

Until further notice, the items listed below cannot be moved within or from any part of the North Island, without the permission of an officer under the Biosecurity Act 1993. Any person wishing to obtain permission to move one of the controlled items should telephone (09) 265-9395.

Movement of the listed items from the North to the South Island remains prohibited.   This prohibition is likely to apply until the status of the South Island is established through surveillance.   Consideration is being given to a survey design for the South Island, although resources are at this stage have been prioritised to the areas of highest risk in and around known infected areas of the North Island.

Items prohibited from being moved are:

Honey bees (meaning Apis mellifera), including package bees, queen bees, and the whole or any part of any dead honeybee.
Beehives (meaning any thing that is being or has been used for the keeping of honeybees), including nucleus beehives.
Any part of any beehive, including frames, boxes, lids and bases, and supers of honey. Used beekeeping equipment (meaning any thing that is being or has been used in connection with beekeeping).

The notice does not impose any restrictions on the movement of bee products, or honey that has been removed from a beehive and processed.

Failure to comply with the movement control conditions is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993.   The penalty for non-compliance is up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for individuals.

Background

On 11 April 2000 the honey bee mite Varroa jacobsoni was detected in beehives in Otahuhu, South Auckland. Subsequently, MAF has coordinated a response focussing on delimiting the spread of the mite, utilising the resources of AgriQuality NZ Ltd and the NBA. As of 14 April 2000, there are 21 known infected apiaries.   These are located in Otahuhu, Remuera, Orakei, Manuwera, Mangere, Otahuhu, Papatoetoe, Lynfield, and Glendowie in the greater Auckland area; in Pukekohe and Waiuku south of Auckland; and in Kaihere and Kerepehi in the Hauraki plains.

The investigation has included three high-risk traces (movement of risk materials from the known infected area) to Opotiki, Tokoroa and Middlemarch.   To date, bee samples submitted to the laboratory are negative at these sites.   The Apistan diagnostic technique is being applied, and results will be available early next week.

From tomorrow apiary zones in the Tauranga district will be surveyed using the Apistan technique.

Beekeepers nationwide have been asked to be on the look out for varroa mite in their hives, and contact the MAF Exotic Disease Hotline at 0800-809-966 with any concerns.

Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website homepage at www.maf.govt.nz

Contacts:

Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority. Ph 025-332-509, 04-498-9884.

Lin McKenzie, National Beekeepers Association Executive Member. 025-357-970.

Gita Parsot, Communications Adviser, MAF. 04-498-980

No varroa mite-infected hives outside the controlled area found

A total of 21 apiaries to date have been diagnosed as having the varroa mite in the North Island controlled area.   Collectively, there are 252 hives on these properties. There are no confirmed varroa mite infected hives outside the controlled area.

The number of beekeepers owning infected apiaries is 16.   Some of these beekeepers own more than one of the 21 positively diagnosed apiaries.

As of last night, 1277 hives on 135 apiaries had been inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry led field teams operating in the controlled area.   These teams consist of personnel from MAF, AgriQuality and the National Beekeepers Association.

The number of registered apiaries in the controlled area of operation is estimated to be 2365.   Not all of these apiaries will be inspected.   The operation is using statistical methods to determine sampling patterns, and focusing on sampling around clusters of known infected apiaries.   The cluster of infected apiaries is in the Hauraki Plains district, close to the south eastern edge of the controlled area.

MAF and the National Beekeepers Association are today considering widening the movement control provisions that currently apply to the controlled area.   An announcement may be made later today.

No apiaries have been destroyed or treated.   Apistan diagnostic strips however have been placed in 266 hives on 25 apiaries.

MAF's Exotic Disease Hotline (0800-809-966) has received 204 phone calls from beekeepers since it became operational.   Of these, a remaining 61 calls have yet to be followed up.

MAF and police are investigating a beekeeper for having moved hives within the South Auckland area, after a controlled area notice was placed on the district.   Offences under the Biosecurity Act carry penalties of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual.

Currently, MAF's high level controlled area applies to Rodney District, North Shore City, Waitakere City, Auckland City, Manukau City, Papakura District, Franklin District, Waikato District, Hamilton City, and Hauraki District. It means that controlled items such as bees, hives and used beekeeping equipment may not be moved into, within, or from these areas without the permission of an officer under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

The lower level of control currently applies to the rest of the North Island, and any other parts of New Zealand other than the South Island.   The controlled items may not be moved from these areas to the South Island without permission under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

There are no known varroa mite infected hives outside the control area.   Sampling will begin tomorrow in hives in the Tauranga district apiary zone.

Three apiaries outside the controlled area to date are suspected of having hives carrying varroa mites.  These are:

A Central Otago apiary's which returned a negative bee sample test for varroa mite yesterday, has had Apistan diagnostic strips placed in the property's hives to double check this result.  The results will not be known until Tuesday.   If negative, Apistan strips will be placed in the hives for three weeks, and checked.

Samples of mites taken from an Opotiki property were not the varroa mite, but an endemic species of mite, Mellitiphis alvearius.   This species is commonly mistaken for varroa.   It is associated with honeybees, but is not a parasite of honeybees. However, the property remains a high-risk trace apiary, in that its hives were recently in the controlled area. Apistan diagnostic strips were placed in its hives yesterday.   Tracing of bee movements from this property to others will also continue.   It will remain a restricted place.

A high-risk trace also led the team to a Tokoroa apiary where bee samples were sent for diagnosis to the National Plant Pests Reference Laboratory (NPPRL) in Lincoln.   Apistan sampling is also underway and a restricted place notice was given.

Contacts:

Beekeepers with any concerns should telephone the MAF Exotic Disease Hotline at 0800 809 966.

Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website homepage at www.maf.govt.nz

Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority.   Ph 025-332-509, 04-498-9884.

Lin McKenzie, National Beekeepers Association Executive Member.   025-357-970.

Gita Parsot, Communications Adviser, MAF.   04-498-9806.

599 hives inspected so far for varroa mite
MAF's official daily incident controller's report released today says that at the close of play last night, 599 hives were inspected for the varroa mite on 78 apiaries in the controlled area. Of this number, 163 hives were infected on 16 apiaries.

These figures differ slightly from the unofficial figures released last night.

The controlled area takes in the Rodney District, North Shore City, Waitakere City, Auckland City, Manukau City, Papakura District, Franklin District, Waikato District, Hamilton City, and Hauraki District.   A controlled area means that movements of any bees (live or dead), beehives, supers of honey or bee equipment are not permitted in or out of the area.

The number of field teams operating today (Friday 14) is 15.   The teams consist of personnel from MAF, AgriQuality, and the National Beekeepers Association.   Today's strategy will be to begin testing in the controlled area perimeter apiary districts, employing Apistan strips as a diagnostic method. This is necessary to provide confidence that the infected area is completely circumscribed.

Activity outside the controlled area has so far consisted of a restricted place notice being placed on an Otago property, which a field team will visit today to begin testing using the Apistan diagnosis method.

Samples of mites taken from an Opotiki property made a restricted place on Wednesday, are not the varroa mite, according to laboratory results.

It appears the property's hives are harbouring an endemic species, Mellitiphis alvearius, of mite.   This species is commonly mistaken for varroa.   It is associated with honeybees, but is not a parasite of honeybees.

The Opotiki property however, remains a high-risk trace property, in that its hives were recently in the controlled area.   It will remain a restricted place, with Apistan used in its hives today.   Tracing of bee movements from this property to others will also continue.

A high-risk trace also led the team to Tokoroa, where bee samples have been taken from the hives and sent to National Plant Pests Reference Laboratory (NPPRL) at Lincoln for diagnoses.   Tracing is where a team follows the movement of bees, hives and used equipment from one property to another.   The team will focus on tracing high-risk movement from confirmed infected premises in the controlled area.

There are eight people working on the high-risk trace team.   Sixty-five traces have been followed up from the known infected premises in the controlled area, with 85 traces to be completed.

MAF continues to receive large numbers of calls from beekeepers on its Exotic Disease Hotline (0800-809-966).   Calls from within the controlled area indicating significant risks are followed up with an inspection. Of these, 104 public notifications have been responded to, with 40 outstanding.

Beekeepers with any concerns should telephone the MAF Exotic Disease Hotline at 0800 809 966.
Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website homepage at www.maf.govt.nz.

Contacts Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority. Ph 025-332-509, 04-498-9884.
Lin McKenzie, National Beekeepers Association Executive Member. 025-357-970.
Gita Parsot, Communications Adviser, MAF. 04-498-9806.

Varroa mite confirmed on nine properties within South Auckland

Nine properties within the South Auckland controlled area have been confirmed to be infected with the bee mite, varroa.   Two other properties outside of the controlled area also suspected of having varroa.

Of the properties outside the control area, one is on Otago, the other is in Opotiki in the Bay of Plenty.   Both properties have had restricted place notices placed on them.   This means no movement of live bees, hives or bee products or equipment can be move in or out of either property.

One property was identified after a commercial beekeeping operation, selling honey bees throughout New Zealand, was found to be contaminated with the varroa mite.   A trace back of live bees from the commercial property led MAF to an Otago property.   The bees were sent to the South Island before its varroa mite status was known.

As of last night, MAF has inspected 21 apiaries, with a total of 225 hives checked.   Of these, 109 hives were found positive on nine properties. The Ministry today tripled its number of field teams.   There are now approximately 40 staff inspecting the South Auckland controlled area.   The team's priority is to work further out from the control area centre to establish a varroa-free area.

All beekeepers in New Zealand are being asked again to inspect their beehives. MAF has received numerous calls from beekeepers on its Exotic Disease Hotline (0800 809 966).   Calls from within the controlled area indicating significant risk are followed up with an inspection.   Field teams are not operating outside the controlled area, at this point.

At this point, beekeepers outside of the control area have been asked to send bee samples to the National Plant Pests Reference Laboratory (NPPRL) at Lincoln, for checking.   This is providing MAF with invaluable information to enable a through assessment of the national distribution of the vaaroa mite.

Means of diagnosis

Apistan strips will be used from tomorrow, after a successful trial was completed today.   These polymer strips deliver a sustained dose of acaricide (or miticide), and are generally reckoned to be the most effective and sensitive diagnosis approach. The mites are killed, but leave the hives intact.

Apistan (tau fluvalinate) is registered in over 50 countries and is the leader in this field.   Misuse of agricultural preparations of fluvalinate has led to some fluvalinate resistance, first in Europe and latterly in the United States, but this took about 10 years of sustained abuse by beekeepers to achieve.

MAF has obtained special approval to import Apistan into New Zealand for surveillance and diagnostic work.   It will not be available for sale, and can only be used under MAF control.

A rundown to date:

Identification of Infected Properties:

Tuesday:   4 small hobby apiaries identified with Varroa infestation.   All four in close proximity of each other.

Wednesday:   One commercial apiary (with approximately 90 hives at two locations) within the control area was identified as infected.   This apiary trades bees throughout New Zealand and overseas.   Urgent tracing of bee movements from this property initiated on Wednesday led to restricted place notices being served on the apiary in Otago, which received bees from this property.   Three smaller apiaries were also confirmed.   All these properties are within a 10-kilometre radius.

A commercial Opotiki apiary reported signs of Varroa infestation.   Verroa presence has yet to be confirmed.   Bees from the same apiary were recently exported to Canada.   MAF's International Animal Trade section is actively following this up with the Canadian authorities.

The controlled area

MAF is establishing a controlled area under the Biosecurity Act 1993, in order to impose movement controls on things that could cause the spread of the mite.

The things that MAF is controlling the movement of are:

Honey bees (meaning Apis mellifera), including package bees, queen bees, and the whole or any part of any dead honey bee.
Beehives (meaning any thing that is being or has been used for the keeping of honey bees), including nucleus beehives.
Any part of any beehive, including frames, boxes, lids and bases, and supers of honey.   Used beekeeping equipment (meaning any thing that is being or has been used in connection with beekeeping).

There are two levels of control that will apply.

The highest level of control applies to Rodney District, North Shore City, Waitakere City, Auckland City, Manukau City, Papakura District, Franklin District, Waikato District, Hamilton City, and Hauraki District.   The controlled items may not be moved into, within, or from these areas without the permission of an officer under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

The lower level of control applies to the rest of the North Island, and any other parts of New Zealand other than the South Island.   The controlled items may not be moved from these areas to the South Island without the permission of an officer under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Any person who wishes to obtain permission to move one of the controlled items should phone (09) 265-9395.

The controlled area will remain in force until the survey has determined the mite's distribution.   There will be further controls on movements of these items from the North to South Islands.

What beekeepers should look for on hives

Infested hives may show the following signs:
Unexpectedly low bee numbers
A patchy pattern on brood frames as would be seen with a heavy sacbrood infestation
Small reddish-brown mites on the bodies of bees, and on uncapped drone pupae
Weak crawling bees, possible with deformed wings
Sudden hive crashes.

For any concerns telephone the MAF Exotic Disease Hotline at 0800 809 966

Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF webiste homepage at www.maf.govt.nz

Contacts

Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority. Ph 025-332-509, 04-498-9884.

Lin McKenzie, National Beekeepers Association Executive Member. 025-357-970.

Gita Parsot, Communications Adviser, MAF. 04-498-9806.

The Minister for Biosecurity has complimented beekeepers on their responsible and co-operative attitude to the bee mite disease discovered in some Auckland beehives.

Marian Hobbs met representatives of the National Beekeepers Association and Federated Farmers in her office today to discuss their concerns.

"We agreed this is a major issue," Marian Hobbs said.   "I am delighted with the responsible attitude that beekeepers and particularly commercial operators, have adopted in searching their hives and acknowledging the unpalatable discovery.

The beekeepers were satisfied with the current level of support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in dealing with the outbreak, she added.

"They raised the issue of compensation for the loss of hives," Marian Hobbs said.   "This is something to be considered further down the line.   If we order the destruction of hives under the Biosecurity Act then we have to compensate for whatever's been destroyed.

"In the meantime, MAF will consider supporting the costs of some volunteer bee inspectors involved in the response.

"I really appreciate the way beekeepers have worked so closely with MAF. They were able to swing into action very quickly.

"The excellent partnership MAF and the beekeepers have demonstrated is crucial for our biosecurity defence mechanisms"

The National Beekeepers' Association is urging the Government to ensure all possible resources are made available to the Biosecurity Authority for the tracing exercise of the Varroa Mite.

NBA members are working alongside the Biosecurity Authority to determine the affected area. More manpower from the beekeeping industry is available at short notice.

NBA Executive representatives and Federated Farmers Executive Director, Policy, Catherine Petrey, met the Minister of Biosecurity, Hon Marion Hobbs, and Dr Barry O'Neil, MAF Director of Animal Biosecurity, this morning.

The discussion focused on the industry's concerns about support systems for the Exotic Disease and Pests Response relating to the Varroa Mite incursion.

Other issues discussed were the miticide control agents and strategies for area containment where the mite is discovered.

The industry representatives were reassured by the Minister's response and will be following up as appropriate.

For further information:

Lin McKenzie     025-357-970

Don Bell     04-473-7269

12 April 2000

Minister for Biosecurity
cc Minister of Agriculture

EXOTIC BEE DISEASE CONFIRMED IN SOUTH AUCKLAND

1. Varroa jacobsoni was discovered in 4 small South Auckland apiaries on Tuesday 11 April 2000. The laboratory identification of the mite was reported at 4.15pm the same day, and an emergency pest response initiated.

2. A controlled area has been defined, and will be declared by public notification in newspapers on Friday 14 April 2000.   Establishment of a satellite headquarters base in South Auckland is proceeding and full scale surveillance of the controlled area using teams of apiarists led by MAF authorised persons will commence at mid-day today.   MAF and the National Beekeeping Association (NBA) will continue to work together closely to determine how far the mite has spread, and options for control.

   Details of the original finding

3. The honey bee mite Varroa jacobsoni was detected in three beehives on a property in South Auckland on Tuesday 11 April 2000.

4. Hives on three other properties have been inspected, and show signs of infestation. The laboratory identification of the Varroa jacobsoni mite was initially made by MAF entomologists, and is now being confirmed by Landcare entomologists.   Overseas reference laboratory confirmation of the identification is also proceeding.

   Immediate Actions

5. A controlled area will be declared under the Biosecurity Act by public notification in newspapers on Friday 14 April 2000.   The controlled area will include Rodney District, North Shore City, Waitakere City, Auckland City (excluding Great Barrier Island), Manukau City, Papakura District, Franklin District, Waikato District, Hamilton City and Hauraki District.

6. Until the controlled area is declared by public notice, restricted place notices will be served on properties on which Varroa mite infestation is detected.

7. The restricted place and controlled area notices will mean that the movement of any bees, (live and dead), beehives, supers of honey intended to be extracted, used beekeeping equipment and appliances will be prohibited within the area, or from the area to other areas.   This will remain in force until the survey has determined the mite's distribution.   There will be further controls on movements of these items from the North to South Islands.

8. From today, teams of apiarists led by MAF authorised persons will be visiting and inspecting beehives within the controlled area.   MAF and the NBA are working together to determine how far the mite has spread and options for control.

9. MAF and the NBA are requesting the cooperation of all beekeepers throughout New Zealand to inspect their hives for signs of the Varroa mite.   At this stage MAF is not demanding destruction of Varroa infected hives, because of the government compensation liability this may incur.   However both the NBA and MAF strongly recommend that owners of hives in which Varroa mites are found, destroy their infected hives as soon as possible

   Implications for New Zealand:

10. Export of live bees has stopped, and further exports will require re-negotiation of acceptable bee health status certification with our trading partners.   Overseas experience with Varroa suggests that establishment of varroosis in New Zealand would have a significant negative impact on our apiary industry, and horticultural industries dependent on bees for pollination of their crops.

    Costs:

11. Daily records of costs incurred during the response are being kept and monitored by the MAF Chief Technical Officer.   At present all costs are being met from existing Vote Biosecurity funds.

    Recommendation

12. It is recommended that you:

    a) note the contents of this paper noted

1. Pursuant to section 131(2) of the Biosecurity Act 1993, I hereby declare all parts of New Zealand other than the South Island to be an area that is controlled for the purpose of limiting the spread of Varroa mite (Varroa jacobsoni), being an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993.  This area is referred to as "the Controlled Area" in the rest of this notice.
   Notice of Movement Controls

2. Pursuant to section 131(3) of the Biosecurity Act 1993, I hereby give notice that:

   1. The movement of the things listed in the schedule below into, within, or from any part of the Controlled Area that is within the territorial authority boundaries of -

      Rodney District, North Shore City, Waitakere City, Auckland City, Manukau City, Papakura District, Franklin District, Waikato District, Hamilton City, or Hauraki District -

      is prohibited, except with the permission of an inspector or authorised person appointed under the Biosecurity Act 1993; and

   2. The movement of the things listed in the schedule below from any other part of the Controlled Area to any part of New Zealand not in the Controlled Area is prohibited, except with the permission of an inspector or authorised person appointed under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

• Honey bees (meaning Apis mellifera), including package bees, queen bees, and the whole or any part of any dead honey bee.
• Beehives (meaning any thing that is being or has been used used for the keeping of honey bees), including nucleus beehives.
• Any part of any beehive, including frames, boxes, lids and bases, and supers of honey.
• Used beekeeping equipment (meaning any thing that is being or has been used in connection with beekeeping).

1. Any person who wishes to obtain the permission of an inspector or authorised person to carry out a movement that would otherwise be prohibited by this notice should phone (09) 265-9395.

2. For the avoidance of doubt, this notice does not impose restrictions on the movement of bee products, or honey that has been removed from a beehive and processed.

A. C. David Bayvel
Deputy Chief Technical Officer
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

11 April 2000

This is to advise that today, we have ceased to export live bees because of an outbreak of Varroa jacobsoni.

Exports will cease until the extent of this disease is defined.

At least six affected apiaries have been identified so far in the affected area in South Auckland.   It will be necessary for tracing activities and movement controls to be imposed before MAF will be in a position to know how we can certify exports where Varroa freedom is required.   This is complicated because some of the infested hives were "dead" which indicates quite a longstanding infestation.

We have identified that certification has been issued and consignments that are in transit.   We are in the process of notifying the importing countries concerned.

We expect to be in a position to advise on the future of export certification within a day or so.

MAF have informed the Association of a possible outbreak of the mite Varroa in the South Auckland area.

The NBA President, Terry Gavin and Secretary Tim Leslie are in close contact with MAF and all the relevant authorities.   Executive Member Lin McKenzie is the Associations designated spokesperson.

Through Lin, the Executive will keep Branches in touch with developments as they come to hand. It is important that all information, statements, questions and enquiries are directed to Lin, as all statements from the NBA will come from Lin.

Lin can be contacted on his mobile 025 357 970.

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)

www.purdue.edu/Entomology-ext-targets/e-series/EseriesPDF/E-201.pdf

www.iacs.ac.uk/res/depts/entnem/varrhub/tvarrhub.html