The fight to keep NSW Varroa mite free shifts to a new phase this week with the commencement of the program to euthanise wild European honey bees in the red eradication zone area of Narrabri.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Chief Plant Protection Officer Dr Satendra Kumar said ensuring wild European honey bees are removed from the red eradication zone is the next significant step as part of the national Varroa mite response plan.
"Wild European honey bees, which are the same species as honey bees kept in managed hives, build their nests in tree hollows and other enclosed spaces," said Dr Kumar.
"Removing these bees from the environment of red eradication zones is necessary to reduce any chance of the Varroa mite parasite existing undetected within wild hives."
Dr Kumar said the baiting program has been developed to include strict guidelines to protect and ensure the safety of all people, animals, livestock and the local environment.
"NSW DPI has been authorised by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to use fipronil to remove wild European honey bees.
"The bait stations are designed to exclude other animals and insects, and to prevent contamination of soil and water.
"Bait stations will remain in place for up to 12 months, but only in active use with insecticide for very short periods of time, to a maximum of 3 hours each session.
"During active use, bait stations will be monitored by trained staff, to minimise the risk of off-target impacts. Experience to date has shown zero feeding in stations by off target species.
"Bait stations are placed at least 2 kms away from the edges of the red eradication emergency zones to reduce the risk of European honey bees from outside the eradication zone interacting with the bait stations."
