Programme to wipe out varroa mite delayed

A programme to destroy feral bees in an attempt to eliminate the bee varroa mite in Nelson has suffered a setback.

Biosecurity New Zealand Incursion Response manager David Hayes said while there had been success in getting all the necessary regulatory approvals to use an insecticide they had been unable to secure approval from the manufacturer holding the patent for its use.

Mr Hayes said it was an "unexpected development" and Biosecurity NZ was making every attempt to identify and source a suitable alternative chemical.

"The South Island Varroa Control Group (SVICG) has given us an assurance that, despite their disappointment in this development, that they are committed to seeing the varroa elimination programme through to the end," Mr Hayes said.

"In the meantime Biosecurity New Zealand will step up its search and destroy programme aimed at getting local residents to notify us if they are know of any feral hives.

"These wild bees will then be destroyed to reduce the risk of varroa spread."

- NZPA