New Victorian permit to enable bee hive movement

30 August 2023

Following detections of varroa mite at Euston and Balranald in NSW new permits will allow beekeepers to move their beehives and equipment out of the established Victorian section of the 10-25km Surveillance Emergency Zones (SEZ).

Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr Rosa Crnov said hives and equipment within the Victorian part of the SEZs will be able to move under the new permit available online now.

‘Beekeepers in these zones can now apply for an online permit via the Agriculture Victoria website.

‘As part of the permit they will be required to inform Agriculture Victoria of their hives’ current locations and destinations.

‘It will also be a requirement that they continue to report their movements to us,’ she said.

Dr Crnov said the decision to allow the movement of hives from the SEZ was due to pressing concerns regarding bee health and declining floral resources, and was made in consultation with state, territory and commonwealth governments, and affected industries as part of the National Response Plan.

‘Beekeepers intending to move their hives must apply and obtain a permit online before they can move.

Dr Crnov explained that beekeepers will be required to identify their hives’ current location and intended destination via the online application and continue to report movements in line with the permit conditions.

‘Under the permit there will also be a requirement to undertake alcohol wash tests of the hives at the rates prescribed, within 7 days of moving.’

‘Beekeepers with an existing movement permit will need to apply for a permit update.

‘Varroa mite has not been found in Victoria and government and industry continue to work together to keep Victoria free of varroa,’ she said.

Varroa mite is a parasite of adult honey bees and honey bee brood. It weakens and kills honey bee colonies and can also transmit honey bee viruses.

For more information on Varroa requirements, reporting and the new permit, visit the Varroa page on the Agriculture Victoria website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa.

Any suspected cases of Varroa should be reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Media contact: Lucy Hayes

Phone: 0437 762 668