It gives us 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. 

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92920

Varroa mites in Townsville

Our officers are responding to another incursion of varroa mites (Varroa jacobsoni) found at the Port of Townsville on April 28 2020.The tiny mites were brought here on a nest of Asian honey bees. 

Early detection is vital. If you live in the Townsville area and see bees, and suspect they may be Asian honey bees, please contact us immediately so they can be checked for mites on 13 25 23. Asian honey bees are smaller and shinier than our European honey bees, with more even stripes down the length of the body.

For more information relating to reporting exotic pests and disease please visit the following links:

Asian Honey bees: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weeds-diseases/pests/invasive-animals/restricted/asian-honey-bees

Varroa Mite: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weeds-diseases/pests/invasive-animals/prohibited/varroa-mite

REPORT ALL DETECTIONS OF EXOTIC PESTS AND DISEASE HERE:

https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/contact/report-a-biosecurity-pest-or-disease?form=bee_sightings-1553074

Dear Members,

Please find the Townsville Varroa Mite area of interest map that was provided to the QBA earlier today. If you would like to download a copy of this map please use the following link: Varroa-Mite-Area-of-Interest-map.pdf

Please see the link below for a statement from our national body AHBIC relating to the detection of Apis cerana and Varroa Jacobsoni found in the Port of Townsville May 2019.

Varroa jacobsoni - Update on 2019 Townsville detection.pdf