Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy today announced that the quarantine on bee hives in the Mount Vernon area is being lifted. The quarantine was imposed after an infestation of Varroa mites was detected during a routine inspection last week.
Mr. Murphy told the Legislature yesterday that the mites spread very rapidly and it is likely other infestations will be detected. He said attempts to eradicate the mites are neither practical or possible and that the destruction of those apiaries where the mites have been detected would not be effective in controlling further spread of the pest.
The department, in partnership with the Prince Edward Island Beekeepers Association, is developing information on treatments and actions to control mites. Management tools and products to keep infestations at low levels are now available. The department will be distributing information on the biology, detection, treatment and management of Varroa mites within the next week. A workshop with beekeepers on managing the pest will also be held this summer.
The department is currently notifying beekeepers within a 25 kilometre radius of Mount Vernon. A survey of all known apiaries in the province will be completed within the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, Mr. Murphy has announced that the existing requirement for permits to import bees to the province will be maintained to prevent the possible introduction of other pests or diseases.