Varroa mite infestation found outside control zone

An apiary well outside Nelson's 10 kilometre control zone has been found to be infested with the varroa bee mite, dashing hopes of containing the pest.

An inspection indicates all 24 hives on the site at Pelorus Bridge in the Rai Valley are infested and Biosecurity New Zealand is investigating.

Fifteen teams are testing all 9500 hives not so far tested in the control area. The job is expected to take three weeks.

To date there are 41 confirmed varroa infested sites within the 10 kilometre zone around Nelson and two more 30 kilometres away at Tapawera.

The varroa mite can wipe out bee colonies and could cost the economy hundreds of millions of dollars over the coming decades if it takes hold.

- NEWSTALK ZB