Coffs Harbour berry farm infested with varroa virus
An emergency response has been initiated, after the deadly varroa mite was detected in a berry farm in Coffs Harbour. Here’s what it means.
Coffs Harbour
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Coffs Coasts’ agriculture is under threat after the deadly varroa bee virus was detected at a farm, leading to an “emergency response”.
The varroa mite was discovered at a blueberry farm at Nana Glen which led to the destruction of 32 hives in the area.
Blueberry farms rely greatly on beehives for healthy harvests, but bees infested with the varroa virus are “likely to die within four years” if left untreated.
Minister for Agriculture in NSW, Dugald Saunders, said the impact could be “very significant”, particularly as the region produces up to 80 per cent of Australian berries.
“If infected, bees can emerge with defects which can eventually kill off entire hives,” Mr Saunders said.
The emergency response included locking down the entire Bucca region in Nana Glen.
“There are currently 43 infected premises. At this stage, we can still trace it to a property in the Hunter Valley region,” Mr Saunders said.
He noted the importance of contact tracing and said many farms in the region may still be able to salvage their hives.
“Farmers may potentially be able to move hives from another property and we’re working on it as we speak” he said.
As berry pollination season begins – many farmers will be praying the spread is very quickly dealt with.
“Most berry farmers in the area have hives and at the end of August they typically get more hives in to ensure the berries grow well,” Mr Saunders said.
The impact could be monumental – with smaller, inferior berry harvests – raising prices nationally.
Mr Saunders said stopping the spread relies on swift action.
“Over the next few days, we’ll have an idea of whether or not other premises have been infected. We need people to talk to the DPI and the apiary association if they’ve moved hives recently,” he said.
The outbreak was first brought to attention after an outbreak at a Newcastle surveillance hive in June.
Coutts Crossing bee-keeper Di Richardson from HoneyBeeHives said the virus was very “concerning”.
“It’s potentially catastrophic for local beekeepers and the local blueberry farmers that rely on pollination,” Ms Richardson said.
Ms Richardson noted the huge financial losses commercial beekeepers may incur as a result of this.
“It could be devastating, with existing restrictions around the movement of bees and equipment,” she said.
Ms Richardson said recent years have been “tough” for primary producers, due to fires and floods.
Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh was a former blueberry and macadamia farmer and said the impact of the outbreak could be “devastating”.
“If not handled correctly it could impact our local economy, and see billions of dollars in losses in the area,” Mr Singh said.
He said bee registries are contacting local aviaries to assist with contact tracing.
Apiarists have been urged to call 1800 084 881 to inform the Department of Primary Industries.
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