Newsletter item – Fruit Growers Tasmania, 9 March 2023
Small hive beetle detected in a Guard beehive
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 WA. In its larvae stage, SHB burrows into beehives consuming brood, pollen and honey, which can significantly damage the hive population and honey production.
See more information on small hive beetle.
Tasmania’s Chief Plant Protection Officer, Andrew Bishop, has declared a General Biosecurity Direction, which establishes a 15 km Bee Movement Restricted Area around the detection site, and restricts the movement of bees and bee products within, into and out of the zone.
Andrew has also issued a group permit providing for the movement of designated bees, bee products and used beekeeping equipment through the 15 km Bee Movement Restricted Area, setting out the requirements that apply.
Biosecurity Tasmania has also 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. Further details of how this will work are being finalised.
Tasmanian beekeepers should remain vigilant in closely monitoring their colonies for any signs of the SHB. Anything suspicious should be reported to Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3777.
Beekeepers are reminded that registration is now compulsory for all current Tasmanian commercial and recreational beekeepers.
Current Tasmanian beekeepers are asked to register with Biosecurity Tasmania before 31 March 2023.
Get more information and register here.
Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Friday 10 March 2023
Register your hives to help protect bees from pests like small hive beetle
Following the detection of a single small hive beetle in a Tasmanian guard hive in the Devonport area, Biosecurity Tasmania reminds all commercial and recreational beekeepers that registration of hives is now compulsory.
While the single detection does not mean that small hive beetles are established in Tasmania, compulsory registration is one of the best measures to prevent the spread of unwanted pests and diseases.
Registration allows Biosecurity Tasmania to readily trace and contact beekeepers in the event of an incursion.
Tasmanian beekeepers have until March 31 to register their beekeeping activities.
Penalties may apply for failing to register before this date if you commercially or recreationally keep bees.
Tasmanian beekeepers who previously registered voluntarily with Biosecurity Tasmania must re-register using the new online form, as there are new conditions associated with registration.
Registration will remain free until March 31, 2025. For more information or to register, visit https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/beekeeper-registration or contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or [email protected].
Tasmanian beekeepers should remain vigilant in closely monitoring their colonies for any signs of the small hive beetle. Anything suspicious should be reported to Biosecurity Tasmania.
For more information visit: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/bees/small-hive-beetle.
