A new infestation of varroa mite has been detected in local beehives, making Avocado and blueberry growers worry as pollination season approached.
The new devastating infestation of varroa mites is a big concern in the country as the parasites could cause entire honeybees to die, and in turn, will affect a lot of crops.
The parasites were detected near Nana Glen, northwest of Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, as confirmed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Last month, the infestation was found at the Port of Newcastle and then spread north, making the situation worse for growers.
So far, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has affirmed 43 infested premises across the state.
“NSW DPI has established emergency zones around the infested premises and has put significant measures in place to stop the spread of the varroa mite,” a DPI spokesman said.
Local NSW Farmers Coffs Harbour branch chair Paul Shoker said the outbreak is a headache for most of the growers as the pollination season is approaching and if the infestation continues to spread, there will be a dire situation for most of the farmers.
“Without bees, we can’t produce avocados or blueberries, or a lot of other crops for that matter,” Mr. Shoker added.
Back in June 2022, the first infestation was detected at the Port of Newcastle during routine surveillance and since then, the DPI has established several safety zones to help prevent the further spread of varroa mites.