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Saturday, February 8, 2025

Mite warning for Hawkesbury beekeepers

Many Hawkesbury apiarists are now required to register their hives with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the Hawkesbury City Council has warned this week.

It says the Department has detected the highly damaging Varroa mite, orĀ Varroa destructor, in hives north of Sydney.

“This mite is considered the greatest threat to honey bees and honey production worldwide,” Council said in a statement.

The DPI is undertaking a strict quarantine and eradication program to prevent the parasite from spreading further and to wipe it out, it said.

Council says large swathes of the Hawkesbury now fall within the 50km notification zone.

Hawkesbury apiarists are being asked to visitĀ Varroa mite emergency response (nsw.gov.au)Ā and use the mapping tool to determine if they fall within the notification zone. Apiarists that fall within the zone must fill out theĀ Beekeeper Notifications – Varroa mite online form.

If you detect Varroa mite, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline to report your detection on 1800 084 881 (9am to 5pm, 7 days a week).

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