A new biosecurity zone has been formed in Queensland to further protect the beekeeping industry from the threat of varroa mite invasion.
Minister for Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner stated that honey producers would welcome the move as another crucial safeguard for their livelihood.
According to Minister Furner, the State is varroa mite free, and they want to keep it that way.
“All of Queensland is now a designated biosecurity zone, and anyone wishing to bring in bees, hives, used beekeeping equipment or bee products (including unprocessed honey) from states or territories where varroa mite has been found will need a permit,” Minister Furner said.
Minister Furner added that entry from varroa-free states or territories would be permitted without a permit, provided any hives are secured to prevent bees from escaping or entering other hives while in transit.
Queensland Beekeepers Association President Jacob Stevens said this was a positive step forward for Queensland Beekeepers Association members and business colleagues who had been caught up during the state border closure.
Stevens stated that varroa mite is a serious threat to honey bees and everyone who relies on a healthy honey bee business.
“The reopening of borders under a strict permit and compliance system will provide beekeepers with a means to migrate bees again on the back of another challenging season for the state’s beekeepers,” Stevens added.
