Varroa Mite Stakeholder Update

As part of the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand South Island varroa response, AsureQuality has been providing a free extension service to beekeepers. This service will not be available after 30 June 2009 when the MAFBNZ South Island varroa response ends. Beekeepers wanting advice up until this time can phone AsureQuality on 0508 00 11 22.

Beekeepers requesting advice under the extension service have also been receiving results of laboratory readings of varroa test sticky boards distributed as part of the programme. All test kits have now been distributed, and beekeepers have been contacted about returning boards to allow time for reading before the programme ends on 30 June 2009. Beekeepers can still seek advice under the extension programme at no cost right up until the end of June.

Laboratory results show some moderate levels of varroa infestation in apiaries around Canterbury. Currently the southern-most apiary to test positive for varroa is in the Prebbleton area. Varroa was confirmed near Greymouth on 5 May 2009.
The recently updated Varroa Control Manual contains detailed information on varroa management. The manual is available through the National Beekeepers Association (http://www.nba.org.nz/node/437).