31 May 2000

Two new varroa finds in Infected Zone

After a clear day yesterday, two small sites well within the known areas of infection, at Grey Lynn and Blockhouse Bay, have tested positive for varroa. The number of Infected Places is now 281, owned by 132 beekeepers - an increase of one. 2,584 apiaries, housing 49,872 hives, have now been visited after following 2,286 traces.

MAF is briefing the Cabinet Infrastructure and Environment Committee today, and is convening a meeting of technical experts this afternoon and evening to review, question, and validate the work that has been done to determine whether eradication of varroa is technically achievable or not. This meeting includes representatives from the National Beekeeping Association and the Kiwifruit Pollination Association along with invited observers from interested government ministries and departments.

Six movement permits were requested yesterday, with thirteen issued. The pending pile stands at thirteen - most awaiting results of Apistan tests. There are 36 teams out in the field today. All going well, the intensive surveillance to complete the delimiting survey will be completed by early next week.

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