Many Hawkesbury apiarists are now required to register their hives with NSW Department of Primary Industries.
DPI has detected the highly damaging Varroa mite, or Varroa destructor, in hives north of Sydney. This mite is considered the greatest threat to honey bees and honey production worldwide. The DPI is undertaking a strict quarantine and eradication program to prevent this parasite from spreading further and to wipe it out.
Large swathes of the Hawkesbury now fall within the 50km notification zone.
Hawkesbury apiarists are being asked to visit Varroa mite emergency response (nsw.gov.au) and use the mapping tool to determine if they fall within the notification zone. Apiarists that fall within the zone must fill out the Beekeeper Notifications - Varroa mite online form. Updates are regularly posted to this site.
If you detect Varroa mite, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline to report your detection on 1800 084 881 (9am to 5pm, 7 days a week).
