Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 04:05 PM

Important notice to all South Island Beekeepers

The arrival of Varroa on the south side of the current containment control area is significant and accordingly the following recommendations are made to all South Island beekeepers.

Beekeepers operating within the current containment control area are requested to maintain and honour the movement control programme that is in place, and to continue to manage their beekeeping operations in the same diligent manner as we have seen since 2006. It is appreciated that the controlled area will be expanded on the 13th May, however the breach of the control line is isolated at this point and until there is notification to the contrary, it is imperative that the act of beekeeping does not speed up Varroa movement southward. Co-operation by all parties is imperative and valued by both beekeeping and the greater farming community.

Canterbury beekeepers who currently operate seasonal apiaries on the East and West Coast of the South Island and who have had or who currently have hives on the West Coast this season, should take utmost precaution when moving hives or honey supers back to their East Coast operations.

It is imperative that you maintain highly accurate records of hive movement to enable accurate trace back if required. It is also recommended, as a precautionary practise, that you test for Varroa before hives are brought back across the main divide.

Varroa surveillance - all beekeepers, Canterbury North, should begin Varroa surveillance now, there are both Organic and Non Organic treatments available, and you are encouraged to be pro-active and extremely vigilant – act now, knowledge and early detection will be extremely valuable to your operation and that of your fellow beekeepers.

Beekeepers detecting Varroa in their hives should report the find to MAFBNZ via the 0800 80 99 66 free phone number immediately.

Please load this phone number in to your Cell-phone now.

As an industry it is imperative that we remain united in our defence against Varroa, to achieve this requires a high level of communication and generous goodwill within the beekeeping community and to those who are charged with the management of the Controlled Area Programme.

Thank you for your understanding, and positive action.

Jim Edwards, CEO, National Beekeepers Association
John Hartnell, Chairman, Federated Farmers Bees Industry Group