NATIONAL BEE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM EXPANDED TO STRENGTHEN BIOSECURITY

Australia’s biosecurity defences against exotic bee pests are being strengthened, with a new phase of the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program launched to improve early detection at high-risk entry points.

Led by Hort Innovation in partnership with state and territory governments, the five-year program will monitor up to 18 exotic and regionally significant pests using targeted surveillance hives and diagnostic systems at major air and sea ports.

The initiative underpins protection of around 12 billion dollars in pollination services that support Australian horticulture and agriculture, at a time when the sector is also managing ongoing pressures from pests such as varroa mite.

Industry representatives say early detection remains the most effective defence, with growers and beekeepers emphasising the importance of coordinated national action to safeguard food production and supply chains.

Plant Health Australia will oversee coordination and data management, with surveillance results feeding into national reporting systems to strengthen preparedness and response to emerging biosecurity threats.