A new biosecurity zone has been set up northwest of Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales (NSW) mid-north coast after the latest detection of the destructive varroa mite.
The infested bee hives were found at a property in Nana Glen, located outside the existing biosecurity zones, bringing the total number of infested premises (IPs) to 43.
This comes after varroa mite was first detected at the Port of Newcastle on June 22. Since then, NSW field officers have continued to carry out hive inspections and surveillance of managed hives for mites in cooperation with beekeepers.
Varroa mites are tiny reddish brown external parasites of honey bees that if left untreated, will kill any beehive they infect. Drone bees can transport mites from hive to hive and also between apiaries….