The Central Coast bee industry has been struck another devastating blow with five new areas infested with Varroa Mite and an expansion of the Central Coast Eradication Zone further south.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries Varroa Mite Response team has issued a new Emergency Order for the expanded zone, effective from Monday, March 13.
Varroa Mite has been detected in new areas at Yarramalong, Woy Woy, Koolewong, Umina Beach and Horsfield Bay.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will commence euthanising all managed beehives and equipment on the infested premises in the Eradication (red) Zone, with the assistance of owners.
The Central Coast Eradication Zone is shown in red, the Surveillance Zone in purple
Treatment of wild bee populations in the Central Coast Zone, with the agreement of land managers in the community, will be prioritised to prevent further southward spread of the mite.
Beekeepers with hives in the extension areas are being advised by DPI Biosecurity to harvest their honey in anticipation of the wild bee management work beginning.
Varroa Mite has also been detected in another four areas further north – Glen William, Brookfield, Loxford and Sawyers Gully – which also fall within the Central Coast Eradication Zone.
The total nine new detections bring the number of infested premises in the Central Coast Zone to 131 since Varroa Mite was first identified during routine surveillance at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022.
Sue Murray