So far, so good:
6 October 2022
Queensland Beekeepers? Association
Weekly Varroa Mite Update ? Week Ending 06/10/2022
The detection of Varroa destructor in Newcastle on the 22nd June 2022 has created much anxiety within the
Australian beekeeping industry. In an effort to streamline our communications to our members the QBA will
now offer weekly updates to our members and affiliate clubs giving insight into our current areas of focus.
We actively encourage all beekeepers to undertake varroa mite surveillance activities on managed hives and
report the results (including negative results) to the Bee 123 portal. For more information on the Bee 123
portal please click here.
Weekly Update 6th October 2022
Bee 123 data to date:
Bundaberg Pollination Event Varroa Mite Surveillance:
*Surveillance activities: alcohol wash, drone uncapping and frame inspection.
Total Apiaries/Beekeepers tested: 8
Total Hives Inspected: 224
Total Hives Present at surveillance locations: 2413
Total No. locations/properties surveyed: 8
Key Points:
? Biosecurity Instrument Permits for movement into in Qld of beehive supers for extraction & used
hives for irradiation from the NSW GEZ (?Blue Zone?) have been developed and are being issued.
o Information on permit conditions and information have been added to the DAF eHub
o 15 permits issued
o 5 not approved
o 4 in progress (all within expected time frame)
? There have been two treatment facility (2) compliance inspections with positive outcomes.
Total beekeepers reporting results 320
Total Hives checked 2782
Total hives reported 9837
Total No. of Recreational Beekeeper Surveys: 231
Total No. of Commercial Beekeeper Surveys: 86
Mites found or suspected 0
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? Scheduled compliance activities for all permitted activities to commence this week.
? Risk assessments for permits currently being developed:
o Movement of Queen bees from interstate and NSW blue zone.
o Harmonised movement of hives NSW blue zone to VIC, SA & QLD.
o Movement of apiary equipment and PPE from interstate and NSW blue zone for irradiation
for endemic bee pest control and back into NSW and/or to stay in QLD.
o Movement of used/dead hives from the NSW red and purple zones to QLD for irradiation for
endemic bee pest control and back into NSW and/or to stay in QLD
