4 May 2000

Indications of natural spread of varroa

Six new varroa Infected Places have been found within the Infected Zone. MAF programme co-ordinator Dr Matthew Stone says that the new finds are close to the epicentre of what is thought to be the original source of infection.

"The new sites have light infections, and are located close to other infected apiary sites in the South Auckland and Pukekohe clusters. Tracing has not revealed any likely means of human-assisted transport to these new sites, suggesting they are the result of natural spread of the varroa mite by mechanisms such as robbing of infected hives, or absconding or naturally drifting bees. Investigation of spread mechanisms is one of the issues that this phase of the varroa campaign is addressing, and this information will feed into the technical examination of control options," said Dr Stone.

The new Infected Places bring the cumulative total to 118, on apiaries owned by 37 beekeepers - an increase of just one. 25, 577 hives have now been tested on 1,398 apiaries.

90% of the tracings of north to south movements revealed in the survey of South Island beekeepers have now been completed, with no findings that cause concern.

The movement permit free-phone operation (0800 109 383) received 56 requests for permits yesterday. 26 permits have been issued under the movement restrictions reviewed on Friday evening.

An ancillary benefit of the current operation is that 586 apiary site with 8,327 hives have been registered since the start of the survey.