The Department of Primary Industry is currently seeking submissions from beekeepers on two important biosecurity questions that AFFECT US ALL.

In the two and half months since I last reported there have been no Asian bees found in Townsville.

Thought I would let you know that since the destruction of the tenth nest in November there have been no foraging Asian bees seen in Townsville.

the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences have just released the survey of the beekeeping industry in Australia.

Advice has been received that on 18 October, 2016 a very small cluster of Asian bees was found at Belgian Gardens. This is about 4 kms from the original find at the port and about 400 metres from a previous find in the neighbouring suburb of North Ward.

No varroa mites were found on the bees. This becomes 9POR.

Currently no foraging Asian bees are being seen.

On 10 October, 2016 a small swarm of Asian bees was found at Castle Hill. This is not far from North Ward where foraging bees have been found and continue to be found. So beelining is still continuing there. There were no mites found on these bees so it is 8POR.

Changes have been made to the previous biosecurity restricted zone that was declared around the Port of Townsville to now cover the entire Townsville City Council area.

I would advise that a seventh detection of Asian bees (Apis cerana) has been found in Townsville in the eaves of a house on Friday 23 September. As there were no Varroa jacobsoni found in the nest it becomes 7POR (Premise of Relevance).

I would advise that a sixth detection of Asian bees (Apis cerana) has been found in Townsville in a compost bin. As there were no Varroa jacobsoni found in the nest it becomes 6POR (Premise of Relevance).

I would advise that a fifth detection of Asian bees (Apis cerana) has been made in Townsville on Tuesday 6 September. This was in an area, near 3POR and 4POR, where beelining has been taking place. No Varroa jacobsoni were found in the nest so this becomes 5POR.

There have been no more reports of Apis cerana or Varroa jacobsoni in Townsville.

Feral nests of Apis mellifera continue to be found, destroyed and, where possible, the nests sent down to Brisbane for examination for mites. So far no mites, as we would expect.

I would advise that another nest of Apis cerana has been found in Townsville. As there were no
Varroa jacobsoni found on them, this then becomes 4POR (Premise of Relevance).

AHBIC is actively involved with the response and wants to see the industry become more involved by sending beekeepers to Townsville to assist in the response. It is crucial that the industry is seen as being proactive at this early stage.

To date no further Asian bees, Apis cerana, have been found in Townsville.