11 October 2000 MEDIA RELEASE
BEEKEEPERS' WANTED LARGER PREVENTIVE PROGRAM

The National Beekeepers' Association has backed the Government's approval of limited prophylactic, or preventative, chemical treatment of beehives.

"The National Beekeepers' Association welcomes the Government's recognition of the urgency of the varroa treatment situation as hive movements associated with horticultural pollination becomes imminent," said spokesman Lin McKenzie.

Hives that qualify under the Cabinets decision are eligible for free treatment.

"The targeted prophylactic treatment approved earlier this week by Cabinet will go a good way to mitigating the danger of varroa spread during the moving of pollination hives, and this is acknowledged as being a positive move by the NBA."

Under the present regime, only hives known to be infected, or have a high probability of being infected, and all hives being moved onto pollination sites with known varroa infestations, or where there is a high risk of varroa spread, are currently eligible.

"The NBA accepts the Governments decision, however we believe the risks could be further reduced by broadening the scope of targeting to include all pollination hives where they are in the same area as hives identified as coming from high risk areas, although technical advice warns of potential for chemical resistance if prophylactic treatment is used medium to long term."

ENDS For further information: Lin McKenzie 025-357-970 Richard Hatfield 021-191-1843

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