Authorities have eased restrictions on some NSW beekeepers, giving cause for optimism that a deadly parasite can be contained.
For the first time since the varroa mite was detected near Newcastle in June, the 50-kilometre notification zones - situated outside the emergency surveillance and eradication zones - have been lifted.
This allows beekeepers in those notification zones to move their bees and hives more freely.
"Thousands of hives have been surveilled in those areas, epidemiologically the team is extremely confident there's been no spread in those areas," NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders told AAP.
"It means there are an extra nearly 3500 recreational beekeepers that can move hives, and almost 300 commercial beekeepers that can move hives," he said on Wednesday.
Mr Saunders said 2398 hives across 466 premises sampled had returned negative results, giving authorities confidence to remove the zones and beekeepers some "security and surety".
Authorities on Tuesday had detected 97 premises with varroa mite across three zones in NSW - around the Hunter, Narrabri and Coffs Harbour areas.
A standstill order remains in place on NSW beekeepers, with those in the emergency and eradication zones prohibited from moving their hives, while those outside the zone still need a permit.
Authorities are hopeful more zones will be lifted as further negative results are returned, and that the mite can still be eradicated.
"The next step would be to work towards eliminating the 25km surveillance zone," Mr Saunders said.
"Being at that stage where we've dropped a zone, shows what we're doing is actually working."
