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The Chathams Island’s bee industry is free from disease, but we need your help to keep it that way.
In recent weeks, there have been news articles across New Zealand about a North Canterbury beekeeper having to destroy his hives as American foulbrood (AFB) [PDF file 567 KB](external link) spores had been detected. There is no compensation available to beekeepers if AFB is found and their hives and equipment must be burnt.
The Chathams are currently free of varroa bee mite [PDF file 472 KB](external link) and AFB, however, it’s important to acknowledge that it could destroy our bee industry if they were to reach the Island. To help protect the Chatham’s bee industry, the Chatham Islands Pest Management Plan [PDF, 2.5 MB] has a clear objective to ensure that these pests and diseases do not make their way to and establish on the Island.
The AFB issue in New Zealand is a timely reminder about how we can support our local industry by making sure that we only use local honey.
While the most likely cause of the spread of pests and disease is due to using second-hand hives and equipment, we can all ensure that we don’t bring honey across from mainland New Zealand.
