Authorities have restricted the movement of bees and hives into Victoria's Sunraysia region as the outbreak in New South Wales continues to expand.
None of the mites have been detected in Victoria, but anyone wanting to move bees into the Sunraysia region, which borders NSW, now needs a permit.
There are now 24 sites in NSW infested with the varroa mite, which is deadly to bees.
There was another detection of the parasite over the weekend, 400 kilometres from the cases near Newcastle.
Varroa destructor is a serious threat to bee populations and horticulture industries that rely on pollination, and there are concerns about the almond pollination season, which starts in less than a month.
What are the new rules?
Beekeepers need to notify Agriculture Victoria if they moved bees from NSW since the start of the year.
Previously they only needed to notify authorities if they moved bees into Victoria since the start of April.
But there are new exemptions from the restrictions on processed honey, wax, new beekeeping tools and equipment, which can now be transported freely into and within Victoria.
The new Victorian measures mean anyone moving hives into the Sunraysia region – even from other parts of Victoria – will need a permit.
All of the states surrounding New South Wales have banned the movement of bees and hives from NSW.
Victoria's Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer Stephen Dibley said the changes would provide assurance for the almond industry leading into the pollination period.
He said it would also help with contact tracing if varroa was detected in Victoria.
"The permit system helps ensure the almond pollination can proceed in a manner that won't jeopardise Victoria's bees," Dr Dibley said.
"If you plan to take beehives to the Sunraysia region from any location, please visit the Agriculture Victoria website and apply for a permit."
According to Agriculture Victoria, about 277,000 hives are needed by Sunraysia almond growers to pollinate their crops in August, about half of which usually come from NSW and Queensland.
NSW authorities say flooding is holding back surveillance and eradication efforts.
