Queensland has established a new biosecurity zone to protect the beekeeping industry from the threat of varroa mite entering the state.
This means that anyone wishing to bring in bees, hives, used beekeeping equipment, or bee products from states or territories where varroa mite has been found will need a permit. Those states or territories from varroa mite will be allowed without a permit, providing any hives are secured to prevent bees from escaping or entering other hives while in transit.
Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, said honey producers would welcome this step as another important safeguard of their livelihood.
“Queensland is free of varroa mite and we want to keep it that way.”
Jacob Stevens, President of the Queensland Beekeepers Association, said this was a positive step forward and that varroa mite is a significant threat to honey bees and all those dependent on a healthy honey bee industry.
“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.”
Apply for an entry permit here.
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