Department of Primary Industries

Bird Flu found in Hawkesbury Egg Farm

by Sam Magnusson | Jun 19, 2024 | News, Priority

Bird Flu has been detected on a Hawkesbury egg farm sparking a biosecurity emergency. The New South Wales Government has launched its emergency biosecurity incident plan following the detection of avian influenza at a poultry egg farm in the Hawkesbury. Confirmed as...

Varroas Mite has been bruising but for some it’s not the end

by Sam Magnusson | Dec 4, 2023 | News, Priority

Canoelands orchard farmer John Christie was fearing the worst. In 2022 the deadly bee parasite varroa mite had penetrated Australia’s borders at Newcastle on the NSW central coast. Just months later, in July 2023 at Canoelands, Christie’s beloved bees had been doused...

Bee Parasite Crisis Deepens in Hawkesbury Region

by Sam Magnusson | Sep 6, 2023 | News, Priority

The Hawkesbury region is facing an escalating spring crisis with the relentless spread of the varroa mite, a bee parasite that attacks and feeds on honey bees. Australia had enjoyed historical protection against the varroa mite, scientifically known as Varroa...

Varroa emergency worsens despite bee extermination response

by Sam Magnusson | Jul 8, 2023 | News, Priority

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has confirmed that despite efforts to stop the spread of the destructive Varroa mite new detections have been reported within existing emergency zones. Since the detection in St Albans three weeks ago, the DPI said the mite...

Race to contain Varroa mite as bees euthanised in St Albans

by Sam Magnusson | Jun 20, 2023 | News, Priority

An emergency has been declared as authorities grapple with the discovery of the bee-killing Varroa mite in St Albans. Authorities have ethanised the infested hive and set up a 10 kilometre zone around the affected area. However local bee farmers outside the...