Swift response to detection of Asian honey bees at Townsville Port

9 January 2012
DAFF 12/1D

Media Statement

Biosecurity officers from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have taken immediate action to contain and exterminate Asian honey bees detected on a cargo vessel that arrived at Townsville from Port Moresby on Friday.

Dead and alive bees were detected as the vessel was being unloaded.

Shipping containers and the vessel were carefully inspected by DAFF Biosecurity officers.  A pest controller was engaged to exterminate the bees.

Nearly 300 dead bees were collected and these have been examined by DAFF Biosecurity entomologists.  To date, no queen bee or hive has been identified.

DAFF Biosecurity is working closely with the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation in an ongoing response to the detection.

Biosecurity officers are continuing surveillance of the area, but so far no additional bees have been found.

The vessel has since left Townsville.

The initial detection and notification by the stevedores, the swift response by DAFF officials, and the ongoing surveillance and analysis being undertaken by DAFF and Queensland officials is an example of Australia’s biosecurity system at work — where the Australian and state governments, and the community, each play a role.
 

Statement by First Assistant Secretary Tim Chapman,
Biosecurity Quarantine Operations, DAFF.