Case Study - Varroa Bee Mite

Varroa Bee Mite (Varroa destructor) is an external parasite of honey bees that attacks adults bees and their developing larvae and pupae or brood. It was originally discovered in April 2000 in the North Island and in Nelson in the South Island in 2006. Varroa has since spread throughout the North Island and is now spreading through the South Island.

Varroa - a biosecurity threat to New Zealand

As the delivery arm for MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, AsureQuality was invloved in establishment of a wide area surveillance programme in the North Island and Nelso-Marlborough area, putting movement control measures in place and establishing controlled areas.

Varroa infestation causes decreased brood, deformed bees, and general weakening of the entire colony. It spreads quickly by travelling with swarms or migrating drones, and by the movement of infested equipment. It is potentially devastating for crop pollination and impacts on both the apiary and horticulture industries.

AsureQuality actions in containing the spread

Field Operations Response Team established in Nelson

HQ controller
Logistics
Specialist field teams
Apiculture officers
GIS and IRS specialists
Local beekeeper assistance with ground surveys

Incursion Response Centre (IRC) in Wallaceville (previously Emergency Disease Response Centre - EDRC)

Planning and intelligence group
Apiary database registrars
Movement control permitting officers
Tracing group
Biosecurity New Zealand management and technical staff

Satellite HQ locations for the response set up in Blenheim, Westport and Takaka - these were managed and resourced out of main Nelson headquarters.

Initial response

Wide area surveillance programme established
Movement control measures put in place
Controlled area established in Upper South Island
Infected zones established in Nelson, Tapawera and Pelorus

Current response

The programme finished at the end of June 2009.For latest updates on Varroa Mite incursion and response: www.maf.govt.nz
Also see the pests and diseases section of the Biosecurity New Zealand website www.biosecurity.govt.nz.

Ongoing Inspection and Detection

All South Island beekeepers should routinely inspect their hives for Varroa mite. For details on inspection techniques and identification of Varroa, refer to the book Control Of Varroa, A Guide for New Zealand Beekeepers. For more information about this publication please refer to www.biosecurity.govt.nz

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