Small hive beetle is a bee threat worth being prepared for in NZ

The search is on for 100 volunteer beekeepers to join a new Biosecurity New Zealand surveillance project, looking out for a future bee threat — the small hive beetle.

Biosecurity New Zealand deputydirector general Stuart Anderson says the project is the latest of 14 targeted biosecurity surveillance programmes run around New Zealand.

“These programmes are all designed to give the earliest possible detection of exotic pest and disease incursions, so we have the best chance of future eradication or effective management.

“Our programmes include surveillance for high-risk pests, of high-risk locations, and vulnerable groups of plants and animals — on land and in water.

“Like the small hive beetle project, some programmes are targeted to specific species not known to be present in the country, like spongy moth and saltmarsh mosquitoes,” Anderson says.

“Some of our programmes have been running for many years and have enabled us to run successful eradications.”

The National Invasive Ant Surveillance programme (NIAS) for example is nearly 20 years old. The estimated impact of an ant invasion to New Zealand is $318 million per annum. Early detection is key to supporting eradication.

Last year, 32 NIAS traps detected exotic ants leading to seven incursions being eradicated.

The new small hive beetle project is another example of a project based on biosecurity threat priorities. While small hive beetle isn’t known to be present in New Zealand, its proximity to our country means it’s a threat worth being prepared for.

This new project is unique in that it calls on volunteer beekeepers from the community to maintain traps in one of their hives. The exotic beetle traps are primarily checked by the volunteer, with the Biosecurity New Zealand surveillance team offering support. If they come across any suspect organisms during their routine checks, they will report these right away.

Anderson says Biosecurity New Zealand’s routine surveillance programmes play a key role in our strong biosecurity system.

“As well as looking out for potential new invaders, the programmes can also tell us if a pest or disease that is established in Aotearoa is changing or moving.

“And the programmes also serve the vital function of enabling New Zealand to assure our trade partners that our exports are safe.

“By using rigorous and reliable science, we can prove our primary sector goods will not carry pests or diseases to their shores.”

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Beekeepers interested in joining the small hive beetle surveillance programme or for more information on surveillance programmes go to mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity and search how to find, report and prevent pests and diseases.