Beekeeper update – you are now in a red zone, what comes next?

15 June 2023

Extension of the red zone – what this means 

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has recently detected a new Varroa mite infested premises in an existing Surveillance Emergency (purple) Zone (SEZ). The detection has resulted in an extension of the Eradication Emergency (red) Zone (EEZ) west of Mangrove Mountain, including St Albans and surrounds.

To view the latest Varroa mite Emergency Zone map visit the NSW DPI website here.

Because of the new infestation, our records indicate you now have beehives in the EEZ extension (red zone). We know this will be upsetting, and that you’re likely to have questions about what this means for you, next steps, and hive euthanasia.

What happens now? 

In accordance with the Biosecurity (Varroa mite) Emergency Order 2023, European Honey bees and European Honey bee hives must not be moved into, out of or within Eradication (red) Emergency Zones. You can check the different zones on the interactive map by typing your address in the top right-hand corner.

Access the interactive zone map here

Managed hives located in the St Albans extension of the EEZ will be monitored using miticide strips and sticky mats on a weekly basis - a NSW DPI representative will be in contact to discuss this.

If you wish to retain your hive ware, you need to let NSW DPI know via this online form so we can contact you to organise euthanasia of hives prior to the start of the Wild European Honey Bee Management Program in your area. Euthanasia of hives may be undertaken by DPI or you may choose to euthanise your own hives - these options will be discussed with you.

Read on for more information about the Wild Honey Bee Management Program in your area.

What should you do now?

You may remove honey supers from your hives and remove them to an extraction facility within ONLY the red zone.
Hives must not be worked or otherwise tampered with, unless to remove a honey super (ONLY within the red zone) or per the instructions of an Authorised Officer.
If you would like to assist with the Wild European Honey Bee Management Program, you can nominate to have a wild bee feeder station deployed on your property by completing this online form.
You may be asked some questions around any movements of hives to or from your property, which may prompt surveillance prior to euthanasia. You need to give honest, detailed answers to assist us to contain this devastating pest.
Both registered commercial and recreational beekeepers are eligible for reimbursement. Further information about reimbursement will be provided as part of the euthanasia, wrapping and disposal process – there is no action required until contacted by a NSW DPI officer. You can read more about the reimbursement process at Reimbursement (nsw.gov.au).
If you are a commercial beekeeper who has already been paid under the reimbursement option in the (purple) zone, you will receive the red zone reimbursement minus the purple zone reimbursement already paid.
You must be a registered commercial or registered recreational beekeeper to be eligible for reimbursement.

Wild European Honey Bee Management in your area

Euthanasia of wild European honey bees in EEZs is a key component of the National Varroa Mite Response because Varroa mite can be spread to new locations when transported on wild bees. Wild European honey bee euthanasia can be completed using a commonly available insecticide called fipronil. Fipronil will be applied in wild European honey bee feeder stations located and operated by NSW DPI within the 10 kilometre EEZ of where Varroa mite has been detected.

To ensure the safety of people, animals, livestock and the environment this work will be strictly controlled by NSW DPI, in accordance with an Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority permit [PER84929]. The feeder stations are designed to exclude other animals and insects, and to prevent contamination of soil and water. While the feeder stations are in active use with fipronil the area will be supervised by trained staff.

Fipronil is widely used in agriculture, seed treatments, pet care products, gel baits, liquid termiticides and turf products. Whilst fipronil is found in commonly used pet care treatments at a concentration of 100 g/L, the use of fipronil in the Varroa mite Emergency Response is at a concentration of 0.01 g/L (i.e. 10,000 times more dilute). Even at this low rate, fipronil is only applied in feeder stations for a few hours at a time and only for a few days per month under direct supervision of NSW DPI staff. At other times, the feeder stations are maintained with sugar syrup or are left empty whilst not in use.

Rollout of the plan

The wild European honey bee feeder stations are scheduled to be operational in the St Albans extension of the EEZ, surrounding the recently confirmed infested premises from 3 July for a period of approximately 12 months.

Achieving eradication of Varroa mite is vitally important for maintaining Australia’s current level of honey production and pollination for food security.

Production and sale of honey - removal of honey supers before the Program starts

NSW DPI is permitted to use fipronil to euthanise wild European honey bees under permit [PER84929] issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. However, under the permit, all edible hive products exposed to fipronil treatment including honey and wax must not be supplied for human or animal consumption.

Beekeepers in Varroa Mite EEZ extensions in the St Albans area will need to remove honey supers from managed hives prior to the commencement of fipronil application in these areas, (forecast to begin on 3 July 2023).

For processing, these honey supers can be taken to an extraction facility ONLY within the EEZ (red zone).

The Varroa mite Emergency Response

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is continuing efforts in response to the Varroa mite incursion, confirmed as Varroa destructor, which was originally detected in sentinel hives at the Port of Newcastle in June 2022.

NSW DPI wants to share our continued appreciation to beekeepers across the State, and nationally, and particularly those affected by red eradication and purple surveillance emergency zones.

We know this incursion and the activities of the Emergency Response has had a significant impact on beekeepers – and our focus remains on delivering a considered and comprehensive eradication response to ensure we avoid having to learn to live with this devastating pest.

The Emergency Response is governed by the Nationally agreed Response Plan as endorsed by the Consultative Committee which includes 26 members, 16 affected industry parties and 10 Government agencies, who regularly assess the data gathered by the response and advise on continued technical feasibility. To date, the numbers of IPs and the ongoing daily effort of hundreds of response staff mean that Varroa eradication remains achievable.

Still have questions? 

NSW DPI encourages you to visit our dedicated page at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa for more information, including our FAQ which hosts a wealth of information about what you can now do in the red zone, the euthanasia and destruction process and the owner reimbursement process.

For more information on the Wild European Honey Bee Management Program visit the NSW DPI website at Wild European Honey Bee Management Program (nsw.gov.au).

Your wellbeing

We strongly encourage you to reach out for help or support from our Varroa mite Emergency Response Resilience Officers, your fellow beekeepers, or reach out to the organisations listed below.

Varroa Response Resilience Officers - here to help communities and individuals affected by Varroa mite become more resilient to the impacts of this biosecurity emergency.

Jamie Perry-Meijer: 0477 544 379 or jamie.perry-meijer@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Jodie Magner: 0477 070 453 or jodie.magner@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Varroa mite Response: varroa.response@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Beyondblue – www.beyondblue.org.au

Beyondblue offers online counselling, support and referrals. The website provides information relating to depression and anxiety disorders, as well as options for treatment, recovery and staying well.
Phone: 1300 22 46 36

Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au

Lifeline provides compassionate support for people in crisis. No judgement. No conditions. No agenda. Just a human connection. Confidential crisis support is available via phone, text or online chat.
Phone: 13 11 14
Lifeline Text: 0447 13 11 14
Lifeline online chat: www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

NSW Mental Health Line

A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
Phone: 1800 011 511

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program - www.ramhp.com.au

Educating, encouraging and linking rural people to mental health support.

Read our Assistance Guide for Beekeepers for various assistance available to impacted beekeepers to support them through the emergency response.

Your GP can also be a great place to start.