SHANE Rattenbury has announced a new bill to protect bee keepers by preparing the ACT to better respond to possible bee-related biosecurity incidents and risks.

“The Animal Diseases (Beekeeping) Amendment Bill 2015 introduces a new part to the Animal Disease Act 2005 that will require beekeepers to be registered and brood boxes to be numbered so hive owners can be easily identified,” Shane said.

“The brood box is the part of the hive containing the queen and brood, which includes eggs, larvae and pupae, and is most at risk of disease or pest invasion.

“This initiative will ensure that in the event of a bee-related biosecurity incident the ACT’s beekeepers and their hives can be quickly and effectively identified and managed.

“Over the last 10 years, a major threat to the world-wide bee population has been the spread of the Asian mite Varroa destructor which can spread viruses. Bee populations around the world have been declining as a result.

“The potential flow on effects resulting from a reduction in bee numbers would be significant in Australia, as a reduction in bee populations could potentially impact on not only our backyard gardens, but also on plant pollination at a larger agricultural scale

“At this time, Australia is one of the last remaining countries in the world free of Varroa. Varroa is not the only risk to bee populations with other notifiable bee diseases and pests also of concern such as American foulbrood which is endemic in Australia and present in the region. Early detection and monitoring of bee hives is seen as the best means of control.”

President of the Beekeepers Association of the ACT, John Grubb, said today the new bill is a great step forward in protecting the ACT’s bees.

“Knowing where the risk is and how a pathogen or pest is spreading is an important tool in managing any bee biosecurity incident, such as an incursion of Varroa, as it allows responders to quickly identify the risk and then assess the situation,” Mr Grubb said.

“Unlike other animals and stock which can be secured and quarantined, the free movement of bees requires quick action to stop a parasite or pathogen from spreading, including into populations of wild bees and native bee species.

“Without a registration system there is currently no reliable data about the keeping of bees in the ACT. This new bill will ensure we have good information and records of where bees are kept in the ACT. The overarching aim of the registration scheme is to link up with the other states to form national coverage so that ACT beekeepers can be part of an effective national response to controlling bee pests and diseases.”