The length of time elapsed since the movement means that this is a medium risk trace. To date, the number of hives inspected is 3145 on 277 apiaries. Apistan diagnostic strips have been placed in 992 hives on 54 apiaries. The number of apiaries with hives diagnosed as having the varroa mite stands at 22. The number of beekeepers with infected properties is 17.
Some beekeepers own more than one of the infected apiaries.
Of these, eight are still pending further enquiries. Three beekeepers are being investigated by MAF and the Police for movement control violations within the controlled area. Failure to comply with the movement control conditions is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993. Information on the Varroa mite can be accessed off the MAF website . Contacts Matthew Stone, Programme Co-ordinator Exotic Disease Response, MAF Biosecurity Authority.