Apis cerana Nest Located

As of 12^th March 2024, Biosecurity Queensland have confirmed a single nest of Asian Honey Bee; Apis cerana has been located within the Port of Brisbane. The nest has been destroyed, and bee samples have been sent for testing for parasitic mites and exotic bee viruses (slow bee paralysis virus, deformed wing virus, acute bee paralysis virus and Apis mellifera rhabdovirus). The test results will be communicated when completed.

Biosecurity Queensland in conjunction with the Queensland bee industry and the Australian Government, are continuing surveillance in the Port of Brisbane and surrounding area for Asian honey bee and varroa mite. At this time, only one mite and one nest has been found.

Be on the lookout for Asian Honey bees and report any suspect sightings to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Movement restrictions in place: QLD

A 10km radius Movement Control Order is in place to assist in preventing the risk of spread of Varroa jacobsoni, beekeepers are not permitted to move any bee(living or dead), a swarm, nest or hive of bees, apiary equipment, or apiary products within the Control Area. For detailed information beekeepers should refer to the Movement Control Order: varroa-mite-carriers-movement-control-order.pdf (publications.qld.gov.au)

In short beekeepers in the movement control area must notify Biosecurity Queensland without delay about:

1. the presence of varroa mite

2. if you suspect the presence of varroa mite

3. any hive movements into or out of the localities in the previous 90 days

4. any bees bought or sold in the last 90 days.

AHBIC encourages QLD beekeepers to be registered and stay up to date through Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website: Varroa mite alert | Business Queensland or https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/animal/industries/bees/varroa-mite

AHBIC reminds beekeepers that in Queensland, varroa mite (both V. destructor and V. jacobsoni) is listed as prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Queensland beekeepers should continue monitoring hives for varroa mite, report their hive check results on the Bee 123 form and immediately report any unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, bees with parasites, poor brood patterns and dead brood to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Beekeepers: All States & Territories

Importantly, all beekeepers should remember that the state of Queensland remains a biosecurity zone and any movements of Varroa mite carriers into Queensland require an approved permit through: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/policy-legislation-regulation/biosecurity-instrument-permit

Continue exotic mite monitoring regularly in your hives, to learn more about alcohol washing check out the nationally agreed resource Bee Pest Blitz: https://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/beepestblitz/

---

You can reach out to AHBIC via:

Varroa Coordinator 

Bianca Giggins

0402 467 780

bianca@honeybee.org.au

AHBIC, its employees, executive and consultants expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person in respect of anything, and the consequences of anything, done or omitted to be done in reliance, whether wholly, partly, upon the whole or any part of the contents of this industry update document.