Biosecurity (Varroa Mite) Order No. 4 is now in effect.
You must not touch or move your hives unless to feed using an approved internal feeder, or to inspect for mites by one of these approved methods:
All beekeepers within the red, purple and yellow zones MUST notify all hive locations, preferably online by completing the Beekeeper Notifications - Varroa mite online form
New rules on feeding
If your hives are in the blue or yellow zone (more than 25 km from an identified varroa location), you are now allowed to feed them using an internal feeder.
This feeder must allow only bees living in the hive to access the feed. You cannot introduce a feeder that has been used for feeding bees in the last 10 days.
You must not leave sugar or sugar syrup in the open where it can be accessed by bees from other hives .
I heard red zone areas won’t have honeybees for years. Is this correct?
Varroa jacobsonii (the varroa species that affects Asian honeybees) was discovered in Queensland in 2016. A whole range of elimination and then monitoring tactics were deployed, including aerial trapping, floral sweeping, bee lining, and examining the pellets of rainbow bee eaters. New incursions were detected in 2019 and 2020 and it took until August 2021 to declare the pest officially eradicated.
It’s too early to say exactly what will happen around Newcastle.
At this point, what’s most important is that everyone follows directions to give authorities the best shot at success.
Help! I don’t know how to add my hive locations to my DPI registration details
We’ve had many queries about this, with some people confused by the difference between the ABA (that’s us, Amateur Beekeepers Australia, a non-profit association of members such as yourself) and the NSW DPI (the state government Department of Primary Industries, regulating agriculture).
To record your hive details on the DPI registration system:
First log on to the portal at www.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au Once logged in, you should see your Dashboard.
On the left of the screen, find the heading ‘Authorisation/s’ (If you can’t see it, click on the three white lines to expand the navigation menu.)
This should load to show ‘Hive Details.’
Scroll down to Hive Locations and click the + button to add new details. It gives you the choice of street address or coordinates.
If you don’t have a street address, download the Emergency Plus app to find your Longitude and Latitude.
Still having problems? Call the Licensing Division at Taree on 02 6552 3000 or email bfs.admin@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Not registered with DPI?
How does varroa spread?
Varroa are parasites. They hitch a ride on honeybees and survive by feeding off the body tissue of the bee. They don’t fly but can easily infest a new colony attached to a bee that enters through drifting, robbing or beekeeper manipulation. Mites also transfer from bee to bee at a communal visiting spot, say via a flower (see video), and shift to completely new areas when beekeepers transport infested hives, clothing or equipment. For varroa information, start with beekeepers.asn.au/varroa and beeaware.org.au
Help! This looks like varroa but I’m not sure
If you find something suspicious during a mite check, try to stay calm. Varroa can be difficult to identify so PLEASE contact the DPI immediately for confirmation. Your report could make the difference in this emergency.
Put the suspect material in a zip lock bag and seal up. (Keep a zip lock bag in your kit at all times.) A jar with a tight lid is okay too. Reassemble the hive and call 1800 084 881 for further instructions.
Do not transport the suspect material anywhere: keep it on your premises until contacted.
Meanwhile, bag up all clothing, including shoes on site to prevent further spread. If possible place them in the freezer for 24 hours.
In no circumstances destroy your bees. If this should become necessary, a response team will do this or work with you.
I have a Flow hive. Is this exempt?
No. The order makes no exemptions. The type of hive doesn’t matter. If you keep honeybees, you are subject to the same rules as all beekeepers in NSW. Authorities are busy running an emergency operation to identify and contain trouble spots and they can’t be distracted looking at individual circumstances. Everyone’s cooperation and patience is vital.
The ABA’s Industry Liaison Officer continues to work at the Local Control Centre in Maitland, to provide timely and accurate information to our members.
Have a specific query? Contact us on beehelp@beekeepers.asn.au
For support services:
Beyondblue – www.beyondblue.org.au Beyondblue offers online counselling, support and referrals. Phone: 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au Confidential crisis support is available via phone, text or online chat. Phone: 13 11 14 Lifeline Text: 0447 13 11 14 Online chat: www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
NSW Mental Health Line A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about. Phone: 1800 011 511
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program - www.ramhp.com.au Educating, encouraging and linking rural people to mental health support. Phone: 1300 22 46 36