Earlier today, AHBIC communicated a call for assistance to the member bodies of AHBIC for additional volunteers to assist in the efforts on ground to support in the response to contain and eradicate varroa destructor. 

Whilst we appreciate there will be some additional questions around volunteer support, it is the intention of AHBIC to initiate the process of collecting expressions of interest, supporting the efforts to contain and eradicate the mite, and providing much needed relief to the response team currently on the ground who've endured a long week already. 

In addition to AHBIC's request we'd like to remind members that on Friday last week (24/06/2022), following on from the announcement made at the QBA state conference of the detection of the mite, our management team put out a call to action for any members wishing to make an expression of interest (EOI) to join the 'Queensland Response Team'. 

We've now compiled the list of individual beekeepers who are ready to respond and represent the QBA Response Team.  but are keen to explore if there is anyone else who'd like to assist the QBA and the national response efforts.

• In order to have your name added to the QBA Response list, you must be a current/paid financial member of the QBA. This is for insurance purposes only. 

• If you would like to add your name to the list, please email biosecurity@qbabees.org.au with your full name, email address and mobile contact number. 

The QBA Management team plan to retain this list of interested beekeepers should the need arise to stand up our own state response team. 

Finally, we'd like to express our sincere thanks to those members who've already made an EOI at the conference. Please note you may be contacted in due course. 

Our thanks again to our members for their support in the national effort to stamp out varroa.

Kind regards,

Jo Martin 

QBA State Secretary