see letter to members from the president

AgVic is seeking expressions of interest from beekeepers to assist with the State Quarantine Response Team.  There is a form on this website (link here) to send your details to our ILO who is coordinating.

The latest communication from our ILO is here

The latest update from Agriculture Victoria with the SEZ permit reminder is available here.

Recordings of the recent VAA conference presentations relating to Varroa are now available.  Links are on the Information page on this website or directly here:

• Varroa - A New Zealand Perspective - Jason Marshall
• Varroa Panel “The Elephant in the Room” - Evening Panel

Please see the latest report here.

Please see statement about new Victorian permit to enable bee hive movement here.

The situation on the ground is that there are now two IP Sites in NSW at Balranald and Euston in the Southwest . Both have significant areas which fall under the special protection areas in Victoria. See the AgVic web site for the latest maps. There are approximately 55000 hives affected by a quarantine order at the moment in Victoria and cannot be moved at this time. All bees that have been moved prior to the declaration of the outbreak on Friday need to register their destination. VAA has emphasised the urgency of the situation and AgVic are well aware of the need to make a quick decision. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. All beekeepers who are affected need to be patient as we are aware that this is a major time in your yearly calendar. AgVic are hosting daily meetings and setting up an Emergency Control Team to co-ordinate operations. I will have more to report tomorrow.. 
Regards Phil Mcpherson, ILO  

VAA is working closely with Agriculture Victoria in the emergency response to the Varroa incursion. We  are in constant and close contact with the biosecurity team. 

The situation is increasingly critical with confirmed detection of mites in the almond orchards along the Murray. The large numbers of hives and the possibility of extensive robbing as blossom finishes make the situation particularly complex.  VAA is strongly supporting Agriculture Victoria's efforts and will make every effort to keep members informed. 

Meanwhile, there are nearly daily updates being published on the Agriculture Victoria website which is linked here.

The map has been updated for the new swarm season and now includes over 50 members who are contactable for help.