Canberra, June 29 (Representative) Millions of honey bees in Australia have been put in “lockdown” after deadly parasite varroa mite was discovered. The parasite was first found at a port near Sydney last week. Till now, it has been spotted in hives 100 km away. According to BBC, the “lockdown” rules have stated that the keepers inside a new biosecurity zone will not be able to move hives, bees or honeycombs until further notice. Besides, hives within 10 km of infest area, about 400 till now, will be destroyed.
Authorities have introduced several biosecurity measures to limit the outbreak, after the mites were detected at seven sites across New South Wales, BBC reported. Australia had been the only continent free of these mites, which are the biggest threat to bees worldwide as they weaken and kill colonies by feasting on them and transmitting viruses.