Summary

This project will assess the policy changes (e.g., BBO inspection frequency) and technology (e.g., remote sensing) needed to maintain honey bee biosecurity as a result of reduced access to native forest resources caused by catastrophic bushfire in 2019/20. Its aim is to provide AgriFutures and industry representative bodies with an understanding of the honey bee biosecurity implications of a decrease in forest resources. Less forest resource may force managed honey bees into smaller areas, increasing the risk of pest and disease spread between managed hives as well as through the wild honey bee population. The project is timely given the current east coast Varroa mite incursion which has the potential to place additional pest and disease pressure on honey bees in public forested lands.

Program

Honey Bee

Research Organisation

AgEconPlus Pty Ltd