With Varroa Mite detected on the New South Wales side of the Murray River, Member for Mallee Anne Webster is urging caution to protect Victorian biosecurity.

An emergency order is barring the movement of beehives after Varroa Mites were found at Euston and further East in the Riverina.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries has placed a 10km eradication zone and a 25km surveillance zone on the concerned areas.

“This means hives cannot be moved into, within or out of those affected areas,” Dr Webster said.

“It is important these measures are obeyed, to protect valuable crops on both sides of the river.”

The new infestations have been traced from NSW’s Kempsey region, where the mites had recently been detected – with many beekeepers moving hives for almond and canola pollination before that detection.

“All beekeepers in the region should be extra vigilant and seek the advice of the proper authorities to ensure these parasites do not spread further,” Dr Webster said.

“Farmers cannot afford to have their yields reduced if hives become unavailable.”