Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Latest Advisories

Subscribing to get Biosecurity Tasmania Advisories is the best way you can keep yourself up-to-date and fully informed about Tasmanian biosecurity issues. Our Advisories cover topics such as changes or proposed changes to Tasmania’s import regulations, animal health and welfare, plant health, forthcoming regulation reviews and opportunities for public comment, new or emerging pest/disease risks and a range of other matters related to Tasmania’s biosecurity.

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Biosecurity Advisory 16/2023 - Small Hive Beetle Update – no new detections

No more Small Hive Beetles have been found since the detection of a single beetle in a Tasmanian Government managed guard hive located in the Devonport area earlier this month.

However, Biosecurity Tasmania’s apiary inspectors continue to visit properties with beehives within the Restriction Area and installing surveillance traps for small hive beetle.

Following the detection of a single small hive beetle in a Tasmanian Government-managed guard hive in the Devonport area, Tasmania's Chief Plant Protection Officer declared a General Biosecurity Direction, establishing a 15 km Bee Movement Restriction Area around the detection site. This precautionary measure restricts the movement of bees, bee products and used beekeeping equipment within the Restriction Area and will help ensure potential small hive beetles in the area do not spread – protecting Tasmania’s bee population and our honey and pollination sectors.

Biosecurity Tasmania’s apiary inspectors continue to visit properties with beehives within the Restriction Area and installing surveillance traps for small hive beetle. This will provide Biosecurity Tasmania with the opportunity to inspect hives and determine if small hive beetle is present in the region. To determine if you are in the 15 km Restriction Area, please visit: Bee Movement Restriction Area interactive map. If you are a beekeeper within the Restriction Area and have not been visited by our apiary inspectors, please call 6165 3777.

It is vitally important that all beekeepers within the 15 km Restriction Area avoid opening hives, harvesting honey and honeycomb, and movement of bees and beekeeping equipment until 31 March, in line with the moratorium declared by Biosecurity Tasmania. For more information, please visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/SHB.

This is an excellent opportunity to remind beekeepers across Tasmania that registration is now compulsory – it is also one of the most powerful tools we have to identify, manage and limit the spread of pests and diseases like small hive beetle. There is no cost to register, and registration will remain free until at least 31 March 2025, for more information or to register visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

(23/3/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 15/2023 - Small Hive Beetle Update

Biosecurity Tasmania continues to investigate the detection of a single small hive beetle (SHB) in a guard hive located in the Devonport area.

This detection does not mean that SHB is established in Tasmania. At this point there has been no additional detections.

Tasmania's Chief Plant Protection Officer, Andrew Bishop, has declared a General Biosecurity Direction, which establishes a 15km Bee Movement Restriction Area around the detection site. This restricts the movement of bees and bee products within, into and out of the zone.

On 12 March, Biosecurity Tasmania placed a moratorium on the opening of hives, harvest of honey and honeycomb, and movement of beekeeping equipment for any beekeepers that are in the 15km Bee Movement Restriction Area as declared in the General Biosecurity Direction. Initially, the moratorium will be in place until 31 March 2023. All beekeepers within the 15km Bee Movement Restriction Area are asked to avoid opening hives during this period.

You can use this interactive map to find out if your apiary or any other property where hives are kept is within the Restricted Area: Bee Movement Restriction Area interactive map.

Our apiary inspectors have been visiting properties with beehives within the Bee Movement Restriction Area and installing surveillance traps for small hive beetle. If you are within the Restriction Area and have not been visited by our apiary inspectors, please call 6165 3777 to arrange a visit.

Registration, which is one of our best tools for managing and stopping the spread of pests and diseases, is compulsory for all current Tasmanian commercial and recreational beekeepers. There is no cost to register, and registration will remain free until at least 31 March 2025. For more information or to register visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

Biosecurity Tasmania acknowledges and appreciates the significant contribution to the response from affected beekeepers, key stakeholders, industry representatives and the community.

(21/3/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

RE-ISSUED: Biosecurity Advisory 14/2023 - Beekeeper Registration Now Compulsory

*This advisory has been re-issed to fixed a broken URL link only.

As part of the implementation of the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act), beekeeping is now considered a 'regulated dealing' (under Part 5, Division 3, Section 77), and under the Act a person must not engage in a regulated dealing unless they are 'registered'.

Registration is compulsory for all Tasmanian commercial and recreational beekeepers. Current Tasmanian beekeepers must register their beekeeping activities before 31 March 2023. Penalties may apply for failing to register before this date if you currently keep bees either commercially or recreationally.

Compulsory registration helps us prevent the spread of unwanted pests and diseases such as varroa mite, which would have a devastating effect on Tasmania's apiary industry, and other agricultural industries pollinated by European honeybees.

There is no cost to register, and registration will remain free until 31 March 2025. For more information or to register visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration

Tasmanian beekeepers previously registered voluntarily with Biosecurity Tasmania must re-register using the new online form by 31 March 2023, as there are new conditions associated with registration.

Please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au if you are having trouble accessing or using the online form.

(20/3/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 14/2023 - Beekeeper Registration Now Compulsory

There is no cost to register, and registration will remain free until 31 March 2025. For more information or to register visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

Tasmanian beekeepers previously registered voluntarily with Biosecurity Tasmania must re-register using the new online form by 31 March 2023, as there are new conditions associated with registration.

Please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au if you are having trouble accessing or using the online form.

Biosecurity Advisory 13/2023 - Public comment invited on the importation of blue-winged macaw (Primolius maracana) into Tasmania

Information shared on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania -Wildlife Management Branch

An application to import blue-winged macaw (Primolius maracana) is being assessed by NRE Tas. The applicant has prepared a species profile, and a risk assessment for the blue-winged macaw has been conducted. Both can be viewed at https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/wildlife-imports/species-risk-assessments-for-comment/blue-winged-macaw-risk-assessment.

The risk assessment determined that the blue-winged macaw is not dangerous to humans, has a low establishment risk and with a low consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a low threat category with import permitted.

Public comments are welcomed on the proposed import and risk assessment of blue-winged macaw by 24 March 2023. Submission can be made to the Wildlife Management Branch at WildlifeExhibition@nre.tas.gov.au

More information can be found at https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/wildlife-imports/species-risk-assessments-for-comment

Any enquiries relating to this Risk Assessment should be directed to:

Wildlife Management - Exhibition
GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6165 4305
Email: WildlifeExhibition@nre.tas.gov.au

(16/3/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 12/2023 - Moratorium on opening of beehives in Bee Movement Restriction Area

As a precautionary measure following the detection a single small hive beetle in a guard hive in the Devonport area, Biosecurity Tasmania asks all commercial and recreational beekeepers within the 15km Bee Movement Restriction Area not to open their hives until 31 March 2023.

Effective immediately, Biosecurity Tasmania has placed a moratorium until 31 March on the opening of hives, harvest of honey and honeycomb, and movement of beekeeping equipment for any beekeepers that are in the 15km Bee Movement Restriction Area as declared in the General Biosecurity Direction.

This interactive map can be used to determine if your apiary or any other property where hives are kept is within the Restriction Area: https://tinyurl.com/beerestriction

In its larvae stage, small hive beetles burrow into beehives consuming brood, pollen and honey, which can significantly damage the hive population and honey production.

To date there has been no further detections beyond the single beetle found in a Biosecurity Tasmania guard hive. The detection of a single beetle does not mean that small hive beetle is established in Tasmania, however as a precautionary measure, Biosecurity Tasmania has enacted emergency management protocols and is actively investigating hives in the surrounding area.

The moratorium on opening hives provides Biosecurity Tasmania with time to conduct trapping and surveillance actions to determine if small hive beetle is present elsewhere in the Restriction Area. Opening a hive increases the risk that if small hive beetle is present, it might spread to other hives. Small hive beetle can also be spread on and in a range of beekeeping equipment and bee products.

These restrictions do not affect honey movement and sales within the Restriction Area provided it was harvested before 8 March and has been filtered to a maximum 2mm pore size.

Beekeeper Associations and those within the Restriction Area have been extremely helpful, working with Biosecurity Tasmania to investigate this detection.

If you believe you must open a hive for any reason, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777 to arrange a time for a Biosecurity Officer to be present when the hive is opened.

For more information on the small hive beetle response, and to see the General Biosecurity Direction and ither important information about the moratorium, please visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/small-hive-beetle.

(13/3/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 11/2023 - Public comment invited on the importation of Maned Wolf into Tasmania

Information shared on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania - Wildlife Management Branch.

An application to import Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is being assessed by the Department.

A species profile, and risk assessment for the Maned wolf conducted by the Department, can be viewed at https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/wildlife-imports/species-risk-assessments-for-comment/maned-wolf-risk-assessment.

Public comments are welcomed on the proposed import and risk assessment of Maned wolf by close of business 13 March 2023. Submission can be made to the Wildlife Management Branch at WildlifeExhibition@nre.tas.gov.au

More information can be found at https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/wildlife-imports/species-risk-assessments-for-comment

Any enquiries relating to this Risk Assessment should be directed to:

Wildlife Management - Exhibition
GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6165 4305
Email: WildlifeExhibition@nre.tas.gov.au

(10/3/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Gene technology; Invasive Species; Livestock; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife;

Biosecurity Advisory 10/2023 - General Authority for the importation of non-viable fish and restricted fish material 2023

There are new requirements relating to the heat treatment of non-viable finfish and restricted fish material, specifically higher heat treatment requirements for material originating from fish of the Salmonidae family, including: Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout), Salmo salar (Atlantic salmon), and Salmo trutta (Brown trout).

Tasmania has placed controls over the importation of animals, disease agents and restricted materials from other States or Territories, to protect our environment, economy and primary industries from the harmful impacts of pests and diseases. These controls are enacted under the Animal Health Act 1995 . Non-viable fin-fish and products derived from finfish (ie fish meat, fish fillets, etc) have been declared to be restricted materials, therefore these requirements have been placed on their importation.

The import requirements for non-viable finfish and finfish products are set out as per section 18(1) - General Authority for the importation of non-viable fish and restricted fish material 2023 under the Animal Health Act 1995 . These requirements were gazetted in the Tasmanian Government Gazette on 8 March 2023, which can be found on the website https://www.gazette.tas.gov.au.

More information about importation of non-viable fish products can be viewed on the webpage.

(10/3/2023)
Categories: Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Invasive Species; Marine pests; Natural environment; Policy and Legislation; Wildlife; Horticulture; Livestock;

Biosecurity Advisory 09/2023- Small hive beetle detected in a Guard beehive

Biosecurity Tasmania is currently investigating a confirmed detection of a single small hive beetle (SHB) in a Guard hive located in the Devonport area. This detection does not mean that SHB is established in Tasmania. At this point there have been no further detections beyond that in the single Guard hive. It means Tasmania’s biosecurity system is working.

In a precautionary approach, Tasmania’s Chief Plant Protection Officer, Andrew Bishop, has declared a General Biosecurity Direction, which establishes a 15km Bee Movement Restriction Area around the detection site, and restricts the movement of bees and bee products within, into and out of the zone.

SHB, which originates from Africa, has been detected in all Australian states except the Northern Territory. In its larvae stage, SHB burrows into beehives consuming brood, pollen and honey, which can significantly damage the hive population and honey production.

Biosecurity Tasmania has enacted emergency management protocols including extensive hive and site inspection within the Restricted Area. This approach is designed to protect the health of Tasmania’s bee population and our honey and pollination sectors. These restrictions do not affect honey movement and sales, provided it has been filtered to a maximum 2mm pore size. Hives and bee equipment are able to be moved through the Area if transiting (eg from Smithton to Launceston).

Biosecurity Tasmania encourages all beekeepers to visit NRE Tasmania’s website for more information including actions to help protect their hive from SHB and how to report if they suspect SHB in their hives https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/small-hive-beetle

Tasmanian beekeepers should remain vigilant in closely monitoring their colonies for any signs of the SHB. Anything suspicious should be reported to Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777.

Registration is now compulsory for all current Tasmanian commercial and recreational beekeepers. Current Tasmanian beekeepers are asked to register with Biosecurity Tasmania before 31 March 2023. Penalties may apply for failing to register before this date if you currently keep bees either commercially or recreationally. There is no cost to register, and registration will remain free until 31 March 2025. For more information or to register visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

(8/3/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

08/2023 - Registering your beekeeping activities in Tasmania is now compulsory

Registration is therefore compulsory for all Tasmanian beekeepers, both recreational and commercial.

Tasmanian beekeepers must register their beekeeping activities before 31 March 2023, using the online form which can be accessed from this webpage: www.nre.tas.gov.au/beekeeper-registration.

The aim of compulsory beekeeper registration is to assist in the protection and maintenance of bee health across our state in line with the Biosecurity Regulations 2022, which came into effect on 2 November 2022.

There is no cost to become registered and registration will remain free until 31 March 2025.

There are new conditions associated with registration, meaning any Tasmanian beekeepers previously registered voluntarily with Biosecurity Tasmania will need to re-register using the new online form by 31 March 2023.

Please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au if you are having trouble accessing or using the online form.

(15/2/2023)
Categories: Cropping; Freshwater pests; Gene technology; Horticulture; Invasive Species; Livestock; Marine pests; Natural environment; Pasture; Plant diseases; Plant pests; Policy and Legislation; Seeds; Timber imports; Wildlife;

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