RESTRICTIONS for the movement of bees, hives and associated materials into South Australia from New South Wales have been put into effect to protect the state from Varroa mites.
This comes after the mites were detected in NSW recently, while certain items cannot be brought into SA without written permission from the Chief Inspector of Stock.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has set up an Incident Management Team to stop the spread of Varroa mites into South Australia.
The movement restrictions apply to any of these items that have been in NSW since January 1, 2022 and may be seeking to enter SA from another state.
The State Government is working closely with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, pollination-dependent industries (including almonds) and the South Australian apiary industry through the national emergency plant pest response process.
The movement of commercially processed honey, and new apiary appliances and hive components will still be allowed, while permission by the Chief Inspector of Stock is required for all other movement situations including:
– Beeswax comb (including comb containing brood and honey).
– Apiary products not covered by the commercial honey exemption.
– Used beekeeping equipment and appliances, including beekeeping tools and plant, clothing, footwear, veils and gloves, hives and hive components.
– Shipping containers that have contained any apiary products.
– Vehicles used at apiaries or used to carry regulated articles.
