Victorian beekeepers are on alert after varroa mite was detected near the border with NSW.
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The NSW Department of Primary Industries detected the bee parasite in hives near Balranald in the Riverina, with the 25km surveillance emergency zone entering northwest Victoria.
It is the second time an emergency zone has extended into the state, following a detection at Euston last week.
Victorian beekeepers within the zones are not allowed to move their hives into, within or out of those zones for the time being.
All other movements of bees, beehives, used beekeeping equipment and bee products into Victoria are being strictly regulated and will require a permit.
Chief plant health officer Rosa Crnov confirmed no varroa mite had been detected in Victoria.
"We understand that beekeepers are concerned about the situation and their hives," Dr Crnov said.
"I reassure everyone that we are working on a resolution."
The first Australian infestation of varroa mite was found in Newcastle, NSW, in June last year.
The mites infest hives, weakening then killing bees and eventually destroying their colonies.
Australian Associated Press
