Asian Honey Bee and Varroa mite detection at Port of Brisbane not established

Surveillance confirms no establishment

The Australian avocado industry is being advised of a recent biosecurity update following the detection of Asian honey bee and Varroa jacobsoni at the Port of Brisbane, with surveillance confirming the pest has not established.

In February 2024, a single Varroa jacobsoni mite was detected in a sentinel hive at the Port of Brisbane, triggering an extensive surveillance program across the port and surrounding high-risk areas. Activities included inspections of managed hives, field surveillance, and the destruction of feral Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) and European honey bee (Apis mellifera) nests.

Following a 10-month surveillance period, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries provided a final report in early 2026, confirming strong evidence that neither the Asian honey bee nor Varroa jacobsoni has established in the area.

Only one feral Asian honey bee nest containing Varroa jacobsoni was identified during the response, and this was successfully destroyed. The detection highlights the effectiveness of Australia’s National Bee Pest Surveillance Program, which is designed to identify and respond to bee pests before they can establish.

Understanding the risk

It is important to note that Varroa jacobsoni is a different species to Varroa destructor, which was detected in New South Wales in 2022 and has since spread to multiple states and territories.

Bee biosecurity remains critical for Australian agriculture, including the avocado industry, which relies on pollination services. The Australian Government continues to work closely with industry and state and territory governments on surveillance, preparedness and response activities to manage the risk of bee pests.

What growers and beekeepers can do

Growers and beekeepers are reminded that vigilance remains essential. Regular hive inspections for signs of varroa mites and other exotic pests are encouraged, using recognised monitoring methods such as alcohol or soapy water washes, sugar shake tests and drone uncapping.

• For more information on these techniques visit beeaware.org.au 🔗
• The Varroa Management Program website also has free information and resources available for beekeepers. That website is at varroa.org.au🔗
• If you suspect your bees may have been affected by varroa mite, phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. This will put you in touch with your state or territory’s biosecurity agency.

This article appears as part of the 10 April 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.