The National Management Group (NMG) held a meeting on 8 September 2023 to discuss the Varroa destructor response.
The Response Plan is continuing and NMG agreed to adopt further risk-based approaches for new eradication zones based on the advice of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP).
This risk-based assessment for each new detection will consider elements such as the source of the infestation, the length of time it has been present and the mite load detected. It will then determine the appropriate zone size and euthanasia using a scientific risk assessment.
It reflects the constant evolution of the response plan as more data and information is collected through the response.
NMG will reconvene once it receives further advice from the CCEPP on any further amendments required to the current plan.