Movement Control Order to be issued to keep varroa mite out of Queensland
Published Today at 12:01 PM
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities
The Honourable Mark Furner
A Movement Control Order will be issued restricting the movement of bees, bee hives, bee products (including honey) and used bee keeping equipment from New South Wales into Queensland to keep Varroa destructor (varroa mite) out of the state.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the order is being made following the recent detection of varroa mite in New South Wales.
“Biosecurity Queensland is taking this action to protect the state’s bee industry from varroa mites which pose a serious risk to honey production and pollination services,” Mr Furner said.
“New South Wales has taken swift action to restrict the spread of varroa mite, however if control measures fail and varroa mite enters Queensland, there are limited options for eradicating varroa mite.
“No effective natural enemies of varroa mite exist and I urge everyone with an interest in keeping varroa mite out of Queensland to make themselves familiar with the Movement Control Order.
Bees, hives, bee products and equipment can continue to be moved within Queensland. In NSW, there is a state-wide standstill of all bees, hives, apiary equipment and untreated bee products.
All beekeepers are encouraged to:
- Monitor their hives and immediately report unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, bees with parasites, poor brood patterns and dead brood to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23; and
- Register as a biosecurity entity if they own or keep at least one hive. Registration is free for non-commercial beekeepers and native bee hives do not need to be registered. Register through www.daf.qld.gov.au
For more information about the Movement Control Order visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Media contact: Ron Goodman 0427 781 920
