Potential major AFB outbreak in Waikato

On June 25 2001 a site in the Waikato area holding 150 hives was found to have an extremely high incidence of AFB.  Thirty of the hives were inspected, all these were found to show visual signs of AFB.  The beekeeper who found them reported his concerns and the Management Agency was advised.

Because this was perceived as potentially a major outbreak the Management Agency has chosen to manage the operation.

Actions taken so far:

• The Management Agency has appointed Terry Gavin as Incident Manager.
• The Management Agency is closely monitoring the beekeeping operation concerned.
• A meeting between the Beekeeper and representatives from the Management Agency, AgriQuality and the PMS Committee has taken place.
• The status of the site and all others belonging to the Beekeeper concerned are under investigation.
• A complete inspection of the hives owned by the Beekeeper is to be carried out. AP2's will be used for this operation.

The Management Agency is fully aware of all the implications for Beekeepers in the area and will continue to act in their best interests within the terms of the Pest Management Strategy.


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