Tasmania’s beekeeping industry is celebrating the eradication of small hive beetle after more than a year of restrictions.
The threat to the honey industry prompted the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) to declare a bee movement restriction area around a detection of small hive beetle in East Devonport in March 2023.
Over the last 12 months, various surveillance efforts including thousands of beehive and trap inspections helped protect the statewide bee population and honey industry.
“Biosecurity Tasmania responded quickly following the detection, working alongside beekeepers, industry and the community to protect the health of Tasmania’s bee population, as well as our honey and pollination sectors,” a NRE spokesperson said.
“Small hive beetle is a European honeybee pest that is present in all Australian states and territories except the Northern Territory and Tasmania.”
Tasmanian beekeepers are asked to remain vigilant for any signs of pests or disease and report anything unusual to Biosecurity Tasmania.
