Varroa suspected in South Island, New Zealand

The inevitable usually happens. Yesterday varroa was thought to have been found in South Island New Zealand despite the attempts to keep the island mite-free. Confirmation is expected next week. Varroa effectively decimates honeybee colonies and requires ongoing control measures. Estimates put the cost of varroa in South Island at $NZ10 million annually for 30 years, but that's rather a bold attempt at costing the damage caused by the parasite.

The suspect mite has been found near Christchurch which is deep into South Island. Where this leaves the New Zealand Board of Enquiry into varroa remains to be seen.

Varroa was first identified in North Island, New Zealand in 2000. Usually the first positive identification of varroa is as much as a few years after its original arrival.

See results of inspections.