Beekeepers urged to remain vigilant
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch has urged local beekeepers to remain vigilant about the health of their hives after a biohazard emergency alert was issued by NSW Department of Primary Industries.
The alert was issued after the varroa destructor mite which is deadly to bees was detected after it arrived in Australia via the Port of Newcastle on June 22.
"It has been detected at 24 locations across NSW, including Calga on the Central Coast," said Ms Tesch.
She said a 10km eradiation zone had been declared round the Calga site, with a 25km surveillance zone.
"All local beekeepers are encouraged to 'sugar-shake' their bees to detect varroa infestations.
"Unfortunately, it is necessary to euthanise honeybee colonies in the eradication zones and destroy internal hive equipment such as brood and honey frames."
Ms Tesch, an amateur beekeeper herself, said: "Beekeepers on the Central Coast need to check their beehives for varroa mites and report back to the NSW DPI, as we've had a serious biosecurity breach and outbreak in our community.
"I recognise the impact of the eradication process has on our honeybee industry locally and state-wide."
SOURCE:
Media release, 11 Jul 2022
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford