Industry Updates

Although beekeeping maybe a career for some, for many it is an enjoyable recreational activity. Regardless of what your beekeeping background is, or your level of investment in the industry, staying informed of the latest industry developments and news is essential for every beekeeper across the state. 

From the latest media buzz around bees, to the concern and threat posed from honey bee pests and diseases, this section of the QBA website is dedicated to supporting our industry. 

We welcome suggestions and feedback on the content you'd like to see on this page. Please send any feedback to info@qbabees.org.au and one of the team will explore your suggestions. 

Varroa destructor was detected in Newcastle NSW on the 22 June 2022. Varroa mite presents a significant threat to Australian honey bees. The parasitic mite is a host to a number of diseases yet to reach Australian shores. 

Whilst we are relatively confident of the containment of the mite to the prescribed biosecurity zones, every beekeeper in Australia must be on watch for this tiny enemy. Beekeepers are urged to take immediate action and undertake surveillance for varroa now. Report all surveillance results including your negative data. 

Should varroa ever become established, every Australian household will feel the impacts of the mite. As our beekeepers battle to maintain mite populations, Australian households will feel the squeeze through the decline in production of our world class honey varieties, to the decline in honey bee populations, ultimately impacting the supply of managed honey bees for the pollination of  35 crops varieties.

Make no doubt, the current varroa mite detection is a national biosecurity emergency within our industry, the agricultural sector and every Australian household feeling the pinch from the rising cost of living.

Varroa is the Foot-and -Mouth disease equivalent for the Australian honey bee industry. 

Industry and Government are working closely together on the national response to the detection of the mite and the subsequent eradication program. 

For more information on varroa and the Queensland response, please visit the Queensland DAF engagement hub: https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/varroa-mite


  • 12 August 2021 6:54 PM | Anonymous

    It gives the QBA  great confidence to advise the National Varroa Mite Eradication Program (operational through out 2020/21) has successfully eradicated varroa mite from the Port of Townsville and surrounding area. 

    QBA State Secretary Jo Martin and Minister Mark Furner collaborated a media release to signify the formal declaration of proof of freedom from this most recent biosecurity detection and threat to the Australian beekeeping industry and those industry's dependent on strong healthy honey bees for pollination. 

    The QBA would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in this successful program. Through dedication and absolute professionalism, the team must be congratulated for their efforts. 

    We encourage our members to read the following media release. 


    Click here to read the media release.


  • 02 September 2019 5:29 PM | Anonymous

    Biosecurity E-ALERT

    Asian Honey Bees (Apis Cerana) have been detected in the Port of Townsville in May 2019. Teams from Biosecurity Queensland are currently on the ground within the Townsville region conducting surveillance and monitoring for the pest. 

    Please see the E-ALERT link below for more information:

    Qld Biosecurity E-Alert_Varroa_detection_June_2019.pdf

    Information and example images of the Asian Honey bee can be found at the link below:

    https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity-welfare/animal-health-pests-diseases/beekeeping-in-queensland/diseases-and-pests/asian-


    Please report all sightings of the Asian Honey Bee (APIS Cerana) within the Townsville and surrounding region to:

    Pest alert

    Any bee coming into Australia may carry unwanted bee pests and diseases. If you suspect a new incursion of bees in an international airport or seaport, contact the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on 1800 803 006. To report bees outside air or seaports contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

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