Varroa mite detection at the Port of Brisbane
On 19 February 2024, a single varroa mite (Varroa jacobsoni) was found in a sentinel beehive at the Port of Brisbane.
More Varroa jacobsoni were then found in a feral Asian honey bee nest nearby. This feral nest was destroyed. Testing showed this was a new, exotic incursion of Asian honey bee. None of these bees had exotic bee viruses.
Asian honey bees are the natural host for Varroa jacobsoni.
There has been no evidence to suggest Varroa jacobsoni or Asian honey bee has established at the Port of Brisbane.
Varroa mite is a prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
What you need to do
Help keep Queensland free of varroa mite.
Keep accurate records
- Update your details on the Biosecurity entity registration portal, including current hive locations and number of hives.
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all hive movements, hive checks and bees bought or sold.
- Use a movement and apiary record book if you regularly move bees or hives—contact us online, by phone or in person to request a book.
Follow movement requirements
- Come clean and go clean, especially between apiaries.
- Move bees and beekeeping equipment in a quarantine-secure manner.
Monitor your hives
- Check your hives for varroa mite regularly using the alcohol wash method.
Report to Biosecurity Queensland
- Report your hive check using the Bee123 form, even if no mites are found.
- Report suspected varroa mites.
- Report swarms, feral nests and hives or hives showing symptoms of exotic pests or suspect bees.
- Do not collect, touch or move swarms or nests of bees.