July 26th, 2022Keeping bees at bay

Agriculture Victoria is implementing more biosecurity measures to ensure a safe almond pollination and keep Victoria free from Varroa mite.

These measures are being introduced after consultation with the industry to ensure apiarists and almond growers are supported. Agriculture Victoria has established its presence at Irymple by setting up a Local Control Centre and deploying The State Quarantine Response Team (SQRT).

This builds on the extra biosecurity measures in place including the requirement for permits to allow entry. Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov said Agriculture Victoria’s strong presence in the region was an effective way to support apiarists and almond growers.

“Initially we will have over 40 staff based at our Irymple site, conducting surveillance for Varroa mite at the almond pollination and ensuring compliance with permit requirements for the Sunraysia region,” Dr Crnov said. “Victoria remains free of Varroa mite and we are doing everything we can to keep it that way while enabling the almond pollination to proceed.

“No permits will be granted for movements by NSW beekeepers at this time. The situation in NSW is being monitored and will be reassessed if needed. “We have also added extra conditions to permits granted to QLD beekeepers, so they can travel through NSW.
“They will need to avoid high-risk zones, take the shortest route that is appropriate, keep stops to a minimum at agreed locations, and there will also be requirements for beekeepers to cover their loads.”
Agriculture Victoria will be repatriating some Victorian registered hives that have been stuck just over the NSW border and are considered low risk.

To be considered eligible to return to Victoria these hives will still need to meet all permit requirements and undergo pre and post-arrival testing for varroa. Return of these hives will need to be completed by 11.59 pm Friday, 29 July 2022.

Trained members of Victoria’s beekeeping industry will play a key role in Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities at almond pollination. Dr Crnov said initially there will be eight Victorian beekeepers who are trained and ready to help as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Beekeeper SQRT, which will be supporting activities in Sunraysia.
“The beekeepers work alongside authorised biosecurity officers in field teams to conduct in-hive surveillance, providing a crucial link between government and industry,” she said. Beekeepers are reminded if they detect anything suspicious, they must report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. To stay informed about all permit additions and conditions please visit the Agriculture Victoria website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa