Varroa mite control application declined
An application from Bayer New Zealand Ltd to import and release Checkmite+ for the control of varroa mite in beehives has been declined by the Environmental Risk Management Authority.
In its decision released on 16 October, the Authority said the major factor leading to it declining the application had been the lack of verified benefits of Checkmite+ compared with the risks. It had therefore taken a precautionary approach.
The active ingredient of Checkmite+ is coumaphos, an organophosphate, which may produce persistent residues in honey, beeswax and the hive environment.
At a public hearing in Wellington on 18 September, submitters told the Authority that these residues would have a significant negative effect on the bee product industry, particularly the sale of manuka honey and propolis for medicinal purposes.
In its decision, the Authority noted there were alternative varroacides on the market, and for now, the Authority’s concerns about the risks posed by Checkmite+ relating to
persistent residues outweighed the comparatively small potential benefit of being able to use it to manage varroa mite resistance.
The Authority indicated that a future application for Checkmite+ would be considered if there was evidence of increased resistance to the currently available treatment, or there is robust evidence that Checkmite+ can be used without producing residues in honey, beeswax or hives.
The Authority also recommended that the beekeeping industry monitor the effectiveness of currently available varroacides and that the industry work to improve beekeepers’ understanding of resistance management and that research into varroa mite management be continued.
The application to import Checkmite+ was originally received in 2006, but was inactive until January 2008 to allow the applicant to conduct trials in containment. Seven public submissions were received; one in favour of the importation and six against. The latter included the national bodies that represent beekeepers, honey producers and exporters.
Varroa mite on pupa
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