State joins rest of Australia in shifting focus from eradication to management
Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed that a Varroa mite incursion has been detected at a cluster of properties in southern Queensland’s Lockyer Valley.
Department of Primary Industries deputy director-general and chief biosecurity officer Rachel Chay said increased detections into Queensland’s border regions were expected in the coming months due to natural spread from New South Wales.
“Biosecurity Queensland has been preparing for this event and is working closely with the affected beekeepers to slow the spread of varroa mite and help guide management practices,” Chay said.
“We’ve joined all other states and territories in shifting our focus from eradication to management to safeguard Queensland’s valuable honeybee industry and recreational beekeeping.”
Chay added that Queensland’s Varroa Mite Biosecurity Zone remains in place, which restricts the movement of bees, beehives and beekeeping equipment from states and territories with varroa mite.
“We remain committed to supporting the beekeeping industry by working alongside individual beekeepers, peak industry bodies and a dedicated biosecurity champion network.”
Queensland Beekeepers’ Association president Jacob Stevens said the first detection of Varroa destructor in Queensland had been expected “for some time now”.
“Thank you to the Queensland beekeepers who have reported varroa mite. Unfortunately, these reports come as no surprise,” Stevens said.
All beekeepers are urged to remain vigilant and undertake monthly hive health checks to determine varroa mite presence.
