‘bee palace’ in NSW under threat after virus detected

A New South Wales bee breeding 'palace' is under threat, a week after a varroa mite was detected at the Port of Newcastle.

Another emergency zone has been set up at Calga, on the Central Coast, taking the total number of affected properties to nine.

One site that could be under threat is a $2.8 million 'bee palace' in Tocal in the NSW Hunter region last year.

The researchers have been studying bee genetics and varroa mite control at the Tocal Agricultural InstituteTocal Agricultural Institute site for years and this outbreak threatens one of its largest projects, the National Honey Bee Genetic Improvement Program.

The goal is to develop a national database that helps beekeepers choose their breeding stock based on specific traits, as well as identifying and selecting traits of importance to beekeeping, horticulture and broad acre industries.

The Department of Primary Industries operates the site just 3 kilometres outside the Seaham eradication zone.

The queen bee palace is the heart of our genetic improvement program and research, and is probably our best line of defence against this mite getting out across the country, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said.

But Mr Layzell said Tocal remained in a high risk zone.

Australian Honeybee Industry Council Chair Steve Targett said discussions were taking place to put in place protection protocols for the breeding bees.

He said that we do not want the varroa mite to escape by trying to save our genetic material.

Tocal College's beekeeping course, which is one of their most popular courses, is continuing but without practical elements while NSW remains under a beehive movement ban.

The NSW authorities are confident that they can eradicate the parasite.