Biosecurity New Zealand is investigating whether the Varroa honey bee mite could have spread as far south as Otago.
Tests have confirmed the presence of the bee mite in nine North Canterbury beekeeping operations, breaching the South Island control zone.
Biosecurity NZ incursion manager Richard Norman says long distance connections between Alexandra and Hokitika are also being investigated.
Biosecurity NZ says beekepers in the Waimakariri, Christchurch and Selwyn districts should urgently check their hives for any sign of the varroa mite.
Last week a beekeeper reported a suspected varroa infestation in the Rangiora area.
