New incursions of any bee into Australia may carry unwanted bee pests and diseases. If you suspect a new incursion of bees in an international airport or seaport, contact Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 1800 803 006 or via the Customer Service Centre.
Asian honey bees (AHB) are present in Far North Queensland. This pest bee may compete with European honey bees and native animals for food and nesting sites.
The pest bees are known to nest in urban cavities and therefore have the potential to come in contact with humans. Most importantly, Asian honey bees are a natural host for varroa mites, if these mites were introduced into Australia from a new incursion of honey bees, the already established Asian honey bees would aid the spread of the mite, which would severely impact Australia's honey bee industry.
Read more information about Asian honey bees.
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Asian honey bee, Apis cerana
The Asian honey bee:
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- Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- The impact of Asian honey bees
- Identifying Asian honey bees
- Restricted area and movement restriction for beekeepers
- Report Asian honey bee sightings
- Asian honey bee Transition to Management program
- General information on varroa mites
- Overview of varroa mites
- Plant Health Australia