Moratorium on Opening Hives
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. The moratorium on opening, moving and harvesting from hives, and the movement of beekeeping equipment, will be extended from 31 March to 14 April. All beekeepers within the 15km Bee Movement Restriction Area are asked to avoid opening hives during this period.
Current response information
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 has been no further detections beyond the single guard hive.
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.
Tasmania's Chief Plant Protection Officer, Andrew Bishop, has declared a General Biosecurity Direction, which establishes a 15 km Bee Movement Restriction Area around the detection site, and restricts the movement of bees and bee products within, into and out of the zone.
General Biosecurity Direction (Small Hive Beetle) 8 March 2023 (12 PM) (PDF 494Kb)
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
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 sale within the Restriction Area, provided it was harvested prior to 8 March and has been filtered to a maximum 2mm pore size.
Hives and bee equipment originating outside of the Restriction Area may be able to transit through the Area (eg from Smithton to Launceston) under a group permit.
CPPO Group Permit SHB 08 03 23 (PDF 67Kb)
The following info sheets have been developed and will be updated as required:
SHB Info sheet beekeepers (PDF 526Kb)
SHB info sheet Producers (PDF 523Kb)
SHB Info sheet - General Public (PDF 506Kb)
SHB Info sheet - Retailers (PDF 507Kb)
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Small hive beetle
The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Murray), was discovered in hives at Richmond, New South Wales in late October 2002. Prior to this date the Small Hive Beetle was not known to exist in Australia. It is now present throughout Qld, Vic, the ACT and in parts of SA and WA.
Further information on the small hive beetle can be sourced on the 'BeeAware' webpage (now the go-to pest and disease reference site). 
Small hive beetle larva
Division of Plant Industry,
University of Florida
Small hive beetle - adult dorsal view
(Click on the image to see a larger version)
Copyright: Jeffrey Lotz, Division of Plant Industry,
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer ServicesThe adult small hive beetle are broad flattened beetles about 5-7 mm long and dark brown to nearly black in colour. Larvae are elongate white grubs. Pupae are white to brown and are found in soil beneath the hive. From egg to adult takes 38-81 days with five generations a year. Adults and larvae inhabit hives where they feed on stored honey and pollen. Combs are damaged and brood killed; honey ferments and bubbles out of the cells. Damage is so severe where this pest occurs in the Western Hemisphere that thousands of hives are killed by it each year.
Also see the following related link:Embargo on Beekeeping Equipment
Compulsory beekeeper registration
Registration is now compulsory for all current Tasmanian commercial and recreational beekeepers. Registration is one of the best measures to prevent the spread of unwanted pests and diseases as it allows Biosecurity Tasmania to readily trace and contact beekeepers in the event of an incursion.
Current Tasmanian beekeepers are asked to register with Biosecurity Tasmania before 31 March 2023. Beekeepers that previously registered voluntarily with Biosecurity Tasmania will need to re- register with the new system. Previous registration will not be automatically transferred.
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.
Biosecurity Tasmania contact information
Biosecurity Tasmania: (03) 6165 3777
If you are inside the Bee Movement Restriction Area and have moved your hives or removed any elements of a hive since 8 March 2023 or in the four weeks prior, please notify Biosecurity Tasmania and provide updated location details.
If you believe you must open a hive for any reason, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777
If your business is affected by these restrictions, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania and we will work with you to minimise the impact on your business.