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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Mick wants your hives registered

bee

MICK Gentleman is reminding Canberra beekeepers to register their hives from tomorrow in order to help the ACT Government better respond to a possible outbreak of bee-related disease.

“There is an estimated 500 to 700 beekeepers in the ACT, mainly hobbyists with one to three hives and it is important we have accurate records to improve bio-security in the region,” Mick said.

“Amendments to the Animal Diseases Act 2005 requiring beekeepers to be registered comes into effect tomorrow (24 May 2016). Beekeepers need to be registered so hive owners can be easily identified in the event of a serious bee disease outbreak.

“There are a number of serious pests and diseases, such as Varroa mite, that have the potential to decimate the Australian bee industry, as has occurred in many other countries.

“The apiary industry plays an important role in the Australian economy through honey and wax production, the export of bees and pollination services to the horticulture and cropping industries.

“Under this new ACT Government scheme, if a disease or pest outbreak were to occur in the ACT or regional NSW, registered beekeepers can be alerted so they can take necessary precautions.

“Registration is free and is valid for three years. Both commercial and non-commercial operators need to register, unless they have already registered in NSW. A three month period of grace will be given for beekeepers to register which can be done online at www.tams.act.gov.au

“Registered beekeepers are also asked to adhere to the Code of Practice for Beekeeping in Residential Areas; maintain a record of movement or sale or disposal of beehives; and promptly notify the ACT Chief Veterinary Office of any signs of a notifiable disease.

“The Code of Practice outlines the standards by which bees, bee hives and beekeeping equipment should be kept”.

President of the Beekeepers Association of the ACT, Cormac Farrell, strongly supports the ACT’s steps to improve bee bio-security.

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

“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,” Mr Farrell said.

[Photo by Daniela, attribution licence]

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