The Varroa mites found at the Port of Brisbane are a different species to
Varroa destructor, which has been subject to a national response following a detection in NSW in 2022, and which has recently entered a Transition to Management phase.
Asian honey bees (
A. cerana) are the natural hosts for
Varroa jacobsoni, which typically doesn’t breed on European honey bees (
A. mellifera) but has been known to shift hosts, hence the concern.
Genetic testing has indicated this is a new exotic incursion of Asian honey bee, and not related to the population in the Cairns region.
Surveillance is continuing for Asian honey bees at the Port of Brisbane and surrounds to ensure this was the only nest in the area. Testing of hives within the local area is continuing to confirm they are free of varroa mite.
A movement control order covers suburbs within 10 kilometres from the sentinel hives at the Port of Brisbane as a precautionary measure to allow time for Biosecurity Queensland to determine the source and extent of the infestation. This order is currently in place until 26th May 2024.
For further information on the arrangements and current restrictions in Queensland, please visit the
Biosecurity Queensland website.
