Port of Brisbane

Suspect Detection of Varroa mite

(February 2024)

This portal has been specifically designed to support industry with accessible means of information during the response to the suspect detection of Varroa mite at the Port of Brisbane in February 2024, this detection is unlinked to the detection of Varroa destructor found in the Port of Newcastle in June 2022.

The detection of a suspect mite in the Port of Brisbane is a new incursion and as a result, a emergency response has been initiated with a Movement Control Order now in place for the area of concern. 

Beekeepers in the movement control area will receive communications from Biosecurity Queensland. Please ensure your beekeeping registration details are up to date click here to check your beekeeping registration information. 

Our Admin team will endeavour to publish updates relating to the incursion as frequently as physically possible.

QBA members will continue to receive email updates via our dedicated communication channels.

If you're interested in supporting the QBA by becoming a member, please click here to complete your application for membership. Once you have completed your application and settled your membership invoice, you will be automatically added to our members communication list. 


What Beekeepers need to do now

  • The QBA is calling on all beekeepers (across Queensland) to complete varroa mite surveillance now and report your results to the Bee 123 portal. 

Should you see any suspect mites or bees during your inspection, please report any irregularities to Biosecurity Queensland immediately by calling 13 25 23. 

  • Report the location of all swarms (either captured and sighted) that are located within the Movement Control Area to Biosecurity Queensland. Call 13 25 23
  • Beekeepers with hives and equipment within the movement control zone will be supported to conduct varroa mite surveillance. The QBA is in readiness to assist you. 
  • Sign up to the QBA as a member. Our members receive news and updates related to the response to the Port of Brisbane detection via email in a time-sensitive manner. Click here to become a QBA member. 

News & Updates for Beekeepers

Please see our blog post below to access a time line of all communications relating to the detection of Varroa mite in the Port of Brisbane (unrelated to the NSW detection of Varroa destructor).

  • Varroa Mite - Port of Brisbane Update 6 - 22/03/2024

    22 March 2024 3:38 PM | Anonymous

    Dear Members, 

    Please click on the attachment below to read the latest update with relation to the detection of Varroa jacobsoni at the Port of Brisbane. 

    Please continue to check your hives frequently for varroa. Report all results to Bee 123. 

    Port of Brisbane Varroa Mite Detection - Update 6 22032024.pdf

    All the best, 

    Jo Martin 


  • Varroa Mite Port of Brisbane Update 5 - 12/03/2024

    12 March 2024 8:30 AM | Anonymous

    Dear Members, 

    Please find attached below the latest update relating to the detection of Varroa mite at the Port of Brisbane. 

    Port of Brisbane Varroa Mite Detection - Update 5 12032024.pdf

    Please continue to check your hives for the presence of varroa mite and report all surveillance activities to the Bee 123 portal. 

    All the best, 

    Jo Martin 


  • Varroa mite - Port of Brisbane Update 4

    05 March 2024 4:35 PM | Anonymous

    Dear Members, 

    Please click on the attachment below to read the latest update relating to the detection of Varroa jacobsoni & Apis cerana (Asian honey bees) in the Port of Brisbane. 


    Port of Brisbane Varroa Mite Detection - Update 4 05032024.pdf

    All the best, 

    Jo Martin 

  • Varroa mite - Port of Brisbane Update 3 - 01/03/2024

    01 March 2024 7:56 PM | Anonymous

    Dear Members, 

    Please see the attachment below to download and read the latest update relating to the response to the detection of Varroa jacobsoni at the Port of Brisbane. 

    A Movement Control Order was issued on Monday the 26th February 2024. We strongly urge all members to read the movement control order (MCO) carefully to remain across the conditions of the MCO.  Should you have any questions about the MCO, please call DAF on 13 25 23 or email varroa@daf.qld.gov.au

    Port of Brisbane Varroa Mite Detection - Update 3 01032024.pdf

    I have also linked the Frequently Asked Questions guide to this post. Please click here to download a copy. Alternatively, this FAQ sheet can be found at the top of the Port of Brisbane incursion page within our website. 

    Your QBA ILO team are continuing their work in the Incident Management team supporting the surveillance activities, response operations, and public engagement work. 

    We will continue to provide further updates when possible. 

    All the best, 

    Jo Martin. 

  • Media Release - Port of Brisbane - Detection of Varroa Mite

    27 February 2024 9:01 PM | Anonymous

    Dear members, 

    Please click on the link below to read the media release relating to the detection of Varroa jacobsoni in the Port of Brisbane. 

    Please continue to check for varroa and report your results to the Bee 123 portal. 

    Click here to download the media release.

    All the best, 

    Jo Martin 

  • Varroa mite - Port of Brisbane Update 2 - 27/02/2024

    27 February 2024 8:43 PM | Anonymous

    Dear members, 

    Please click on the attachment below to read the latest update with relation to the response to the detection of varroa in the Port of Brisbane. 


    Port of Brisbane Varroa Mite Detection - Update 2 27022024.pdf

    Please, check for varroa and report your results. 

    All the best, 

    Jo Martin. 

  • Varroa Mite - Port of Brisbane Update 1

    26 February 2024 3:31 PM | Anonymous

    Dear Members, 

    The QBA is writing to our members and our affiliate clubs to inform you of the detection of a suspect mite in the Port of Brisbane.

    At this early stage preliminary testing has indicated that this mite is Varroa jacobsoni. 

    A movement control order has been issued and is effective immediately. Please click on the link below to read the movement control order. 

    Click here to read the Movement Control Order

    I have also established an independent website page within our membership portal that provides beekeeper impacted in the zone with immediate direction. The new sub-page can be found by clicking on the link below. 

    At this stage, the executive actively encourage all members of the QBA and our associate clubs to initiate varroa mite surveillance at their earliest opportunity and report all results to the Bee 123 portal. 

    Our ILO's are already in place in the Port and in the Incident Control centre. Please stay tuned for the next update. 

    All the best,

    Jo Martin 

    QBA State Secretary

Report varroa mite detections in Queensland 

Call: Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23

or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 

Click here to report your surveillance results to Bee 123

Bee 123 portal 

Complete varroa surveillance and report your results to the Bee 123 portal is a critical activity that all beekeepers across Queensland must undertake every 16 weeks. 

To learn more about reporting your results, please click on the attachment below to download a copy of the how to guide for the Bee 123 portal. 

DAF factsheet - how to access and use the Bee 123 online form v1.0.pdf

Alternatively, click on the gallery to the left ⬅️ to view the fact sheet. 

Want to learn more about varroa mite? Click on the attachment below to download a copy of the FAQ about Varroa mite. 

DAF factsheet - varroa mite frequently asked questions v1.0 electronic.pdf

Look for varroa, check for varroa and report your results. 

Click here to report your results. 

Social Media News

Varroa mite Educational Videos 

Varroa mite Surveillance Training Videos 

Useful Resources for Beekeepers

Educational Information for all Beekeepers

Use the BeeAware website for educational information on varroa.

Use the Professional Beekeepers website for articles on varroa.
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