Small hive beetle
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.
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.
For more information, and to view the General Biosecurity Direction, visit the Small Hive Beetle webpage.
Varroa mite
Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) have recently (June 2022) been detected in biosecurity surveillance hives in Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW). The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have put in place a biosecurity emergency response to the detection. Movement restrictions for European honey bees (Apis mellifera) are in place for the whole of NSW.
As a result of the NSW detection, all Tasmanian beekeepers are advised to remain vigilant in closely monitoring their colonies for any signs of the varroa mite.
Varroa destructor is not established in Australia. Australia is one of the few counties in the world to remain free of varroa mite.
Visit the webpage Varroa mite for more information.
See NSW DPI for up-to-date information on the NSW Varroa mite emergency response.
Queensland fruit fly
Tasmania is free of fruit fly and it is important for our horticultural industries, our economy and way of life that we remain vigilant for signs of fruit fly.
Routine biosecurity measures continue around the state that contribute to protecting Tasmania from introduced pests and diseases, including:
regular checking of the permanent fruit fly trap network across Tasmania.
imposing strict requirements for the import of produce before it enters Tasmania.
conducting targeted inspections of produce as it enters Tasmania.
checking passengers, luggage, freight and mail at the border.
If you see what you think may be signs of Queensland fruit fly
contact Biosecurity Tasmania immediately on (03) 6165 3777.