Queensland Beekeepers' Association Inc News

Apis cerana Known Infested Area (KIA) extended northwards

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:17:58 GMT

Notice has been received today from Biosecurity regarding Apis cerana.

The known Infested Area (KIA) was extended northwards on 30th September 2025 to include the localities of Rossville and Cooktown. The decision follows the detection and destruction of a feral nest at Cooktown.

No external parasites were detected in the sample.

Apis Cerana KIA map extension Cooktown_20250930.pdf

2024 Pollination Season Top Tips - For Beekeepers and Growers

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:36:57 GMT

The 2024 Queensland Pollination Season is upon us and we've prepared a few useful tips for beekeepers and growers to help manage the 'buzzy' season ahead.

Tip 1. Communication is key. Beekeepers and growers should use the BeeConnected app.

Tip 2. Get the neighbours connected too! Increasing the visibility of bees on farm protects the safety and wellbeing of bees whilst providing pollination services.

Tip 3. Be mindful of crop protection activities. Sprays to manage pests and disease can be harmful to bees while the hives are on site and often chemical residues can penetrate the brood wax causing unexpected colony loss long after the pollination event has occurred.

Tip 4. In the event of any unexpected or unexplained bee deaths:

Collect a sample of bees to be tested and send them to the Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory Phone: 07 3708 8762
Start a conversation with the grower/beekeeper. Keep it rational
Lodge an Adverse Experience Report with the APVMA (Click here to learn more)
Remember it's in everyone's best interest to understand what has happened and to develop a collective understanding of how to prevent the issue arising in the future.
Consider these additional points:

The chemical may not have been used on the farm the bees are located on
The dew may have reconstituted the chemical
Lethal dose of chemicals may not be detectable in some Lab tests. Collect a reasonable sample and if in doubt call the lab.

Proof of Freedom Declaration - Townsville

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 08:54:04 GMT

It gives the QBA 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.

Click here to read the media release.

Biosecurity Queensland E-ALERT - Asian Honey Bees

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 07:29:46 GMT

Biosecurity E-ALERT

Asian Honey Bees (Apis Cerana) have been detected in the Port of Townsville in May 2019. Teams from Biosecurity Queensland are currently on the ground within the Townsville region conducting surveillance and monitoring for the pest.

Please see the E-ALERT link below for more information:

Qld Biosecurity E-Alert_Varroa_detection_June_2019.pdf

Information and example images of the Asian Honey bee can be found at the link below:

https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity-welfare/animal-health-pests-diseases/beekeeping-in-queensland/diseases-and-pests/asian-

Please report all sightings of the Asian Honey Bee (APIS Cerana) within the Townsville and surrounding region to:

Biosecurity Queensland - 13 25 23
Biosecurity Queensland Online reporting -https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity-welfare/animal-health-pests-diseases/beekeeping-in-queensland/diseases-and-pests/asian-honey-bees/report

Pest alert

Any bee coming into Australia may carry unwanted bee pests and diseases. If you suspect a new incursion of bees in an international airport or seaport, contact the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on 1800 803 006. To report bees outside air or seaports contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.