Australia has been the only continent to remain free of the parasite. 

The Varroa destructor, commonly called varroa mite, spreads viruses that cripple bees' ability to fly, gather food, or emerge from their cell to be born.

"It's clearly the most serious pest for honey bees right across the world."

Mr Saunders said a varroa mite outbreak could cost the agricultural industry $70 million a year in losses.

One in three mouthfuls of food benefit from honey bee pollination, with some crops like almonds, blueberries, avocados, and apples completely dependent on pollination.

The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council said it was working closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

"We're really confident that it is isolated and contained to the Port of Newcastle," acting chief executive Danny Le Feuvre said.

He said the council had staff going door to door to make sure all hives were accounted for in the Newcastle area.

"We'll also be putting out communications in the local area for any beekeepers … who have backyard hives, or even are aware of feral hives,

There is a 50km ‘do not move’ order in place.  It is critically important that beekeepers in the Newcastle area do not move any hives or equipment in or out of the area.  Moving hives away will only further exacerbate the issue and make eradication efforts futile.

Not moving hives in or out of the 50km ‘do not move’ area will be the only way of successfully containing the incursion and ultimately eradicating the pest.

It also important that any media enquires are directed to AHBIC to ensure the messaging is consistent.