Tasmania’s existing bee-related import restrictions have been extended in light of the current emergency varroa mite response in NSW. As an additional precautionary measure to further protect Tasmania from the potential introduction of varroa mite, the Tasmanian Chief Plant Protection Officer has now signed a General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) that puts in place a prohibition on the importation of European honeybees (including queen bees) and various apiary products (including beekeeping equipment) into Tasmania.
This Direction came into effect from 5pm on Wednesday 6 July 2022 and will remain in place for six (6) months, unless it is revoked earlier. The Direction prohibits the import into Tasmania of any:
(a) European honey bee (Apis mellifera); or
(b) any animal product produced by, or from, a European honey bee other than commercially produced bee products such as honey filtered to a maximum 2 mm pore size and melted refined beeswax, or another process approved by the Chief Plant Protection Officer; or
(c) any used beekeeping equipment; or
(d) any other thing that may reasonably be suspected of being a carrier of bees, or any pest or disease that may affect bees.
A copy of the General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) can be found here: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/biosecurity/importing-animals/animals-that-can-be-imported-with-entry-requirements/bees
Biosecurity Tasmania understands that a potential longer-term restriction on queen bee importation will impact Tasmanian businesses for the upcoming season and Biosecurity Tasmania will work closely with the Tasmanian industry to ensure alternative options are explored.
If you require further information, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on (03) 6165 3777 or biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au
If you see anything suspicious in your bee colonies, immediately call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 or call Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or email biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au
More information about Varroa mite and the General Biosecurity Direction (Emergency) can be found on our webpage: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/varroa-mite
Further updates on the NSW DPI emergency response can be found on their webpage: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response