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AgVetLink: Number 58, October 2006

Reminder to Beekeepers: STOP and THINK

In the last issue of AgVetLink (August 2006, page 6) we reminded beekeepers of their obligation to meet the regulatory requirements of products used on bees and/or hives.

Unfortunately, we must repeat the reminder because we are continuing to see examples of beekeepers potentially using unregistered products in their attempts to control the spread of varroa mite and to manage other conditions that affect bees.

While NZFSA shares your concerns, we must remind you that under the Animal Products and ACVM Acts bees are production animals. Therefore, any products, chemicals, substances or biological compounds used to manage the conditions (or to kill feral hives to prevent the spread of Varroa mites to managed hives) are subject to controls under those Acts.

Beekeepers should also note that, because the substances are likely to have at least one of the ‘hazardous substance’ characteristics, use is likely to be subject to controls under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 as well.

Failure to comply with requirements under any of these Acts may not only be a statutory offence, but residues of the substance may jeopardise the value and marketability of any honey produced from treated hives.

NZFSA urges beekeepers to think about consequences before using on or in their hives any substance that does not have the appropriate approvals.