The biosecurity zone, created last week in the port of Newcastle after the discovery of the deadly parasite, will be extended to the whole of New South Wales, ABC understands.
Varroa destructor, commonly referred to as the varroa mite, has been described as the most serious pest for bees worldwide.
The mite spreads viruses that cripple the ability of bees to fly, collect food or leave the cage to be born.
It also significantly reduces their ability to pollinate crops.
It was discovered in Newcastle on Friday, forcing the state government to create a “biosecurity emergency zone” around a major port.
This meant that beekeepers within 50 kilometers of the port were ordered not to move hives or equipment in or out of the area.
Now this area needs to be expanded to the entire state, as ABC has learned.
The New Wales government says an outbreak of the varroa mite could cost the honey industry $ 70 million a year.
Australia was the only continent where there were no parasites, earlier discoveries in Queensland and Victoria were eliminated
Still ahead.
Published ,, updated
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-26/nsw-stops-movement-of-bees-due-to-varroa-mite-parasite/101184770
