The nest was located on 16 May 2019 as a result of bee lining activities where foraging bees are tracked.

Combs and bees collected from the nest were sent to the Brisbane Biosecurity Science Laboratory where suspect varroa mites were formally identified.

CSIRO’s laboratory in Canberra has confirmed the species as Varroa jacobsoni.

A national eradication program has been in place since the detection of varroa mite on Asian honey bees at the Port of Townsville in June 2016. No Asian honey bees associated with the 2016 detection have been found since November 2016.

Genetic testing of bee material from the May 2019 detection at the Port indicates this is a new incident, with these Asian honey bees likely to have arrived recently from Papua New Guinea (PNG) or the Solomon Islands. 

The Asian honey bee is approximately 10mm long with yellow and black stripes on the abdomen. Heightened surveillance continues around Townsville Port and within a 15-kilometre radius. 

Port and transport workers are encouraged to be on the look-out and report suspect bees that may have come in on cargo via the See. Secure. Report hotline on 1800 798 636. 

The general public can report Asian honey bee detections to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. 

Townsville bee keepers are asked to be especially vigilant in reporting any suspect Asian honey bee sightings and/or varroa mite detections.

Information about bee biosecurity and photos that will help identify varroa mite are available on the Bee Aware website at beeaware.org.au or the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.