At this stage it is unknown how the mite arrived in New Zealand. The evidence suggests it may have been present and undetected for up to five years. Spread is commonly by live bees, and there have been no live bee imports permitted into New Zealand for at least 40 years to protect our bee health status. The mite spreads by natural means very slowly, at a rate of 5 km a year. When first affected, hives have low numbers of mites that are not easily seen.
Numbers build up over several years until the hive dies.
Because of this, bee exports are not expected to be halted for long. All bee exports usually go through Auckland International Airport and special requirements, which met OIE specifications will be required, for the export certification of the products. Once MAF is aware of how far the mite has spread within the controlled area, the Ministry will be looking to reopen exports. Notice of Movement Controls MAF is establishing a controlled area under the Biosecurity Act 1993, in order to impose movement controls on things that could cause the spread of the mite. Any part of any beehive, including frames, boxes, lids and bases, and supers of honey.