Keeping honey flowing in Qld using biosecurity zone

A biosecurity zone has been established in Queensland to protect the beekeeping industry from the threat of varroa mite.

Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, said all of Queensland is now a biosecurity zone as the state aims to safeguard the industry.

A permit must be obtained by anyone wishing to bring bees, hives, used beekeeping equipment or bee products to Queensland from states or territories where varroa mite has been found.

Permits are not required upon entry from states or territories free of varroa mite, provided hives are secured to prevent bees from escaping while in transit.

The President of the Queensland Beekeepers Association, Jacob Stevens, said this is a positive step forward for members and industry colleagues who had been caught up during the closure of state borders.

“Varroa mite is a significant threat to honey bees and all those dependent on a healthy honey bee industry,” Stevens said. “The reopening of borders under a strict permit and compliance system will provide beekeepers with a means to migrate bees again on the back of another challenging season for the state’s beekeepers.”

To apply for an entry permit: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/policy-legislation-regulation/biosecurity-instrument-permit.

Beekeepers should continue to monitor and report louse infestation, unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, parasites, poor brood patterns and dead broods to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Detailed information on how to check hives and report results can be found at daf.qld.gov.au/varroa and daf.engagementhub.com.au/varroa-mite.

Image caption: iStock.com/jeangill