varroa mite infestations in Fiji - June 2020

Varroa mite infestations in Fiji – June 2020

Here is a current map of known varroa mite infestations in Fiji, from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) – 19 June 2020.

varroa mite infestations in Fiji - June 2020
Varroa mite infestations in Fiji – June 2020

All of the spread between the areas was human-caused, mostly before the mite was found in Fiji.

This highlights the need to notify BAF before moving bees so they can inspect for varroa and American Foulbrood disease to limit the spread of these problems.

It is also a requirement by BAF Emergency Declarations.

New Zealand’s varroa spread between 2000 and 2004

As a comparison, here is diagram of New Zealand’s varroa spread between 2000 and 2004 is below for reference. NZ’s North Island is 10 times the land size of Viti Levu.

New Zealand's varroa spread between 2000 and 2004
New Zealand’s varroa spread between 2000 and 2004

Information courtesy of John Caldeira at Fiji Beekeepers Association