The Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment department is liaising with interstate and national biosecurity authorities to reduce the risk of an incursion in Tasmania, a spokesperson said.

“At this stage there is no information to indicate that the detection is more widespread than the detection made onboard the vessel in Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

Tasmania has protocols around the import of honeycomb, raw beeswax, bee suits, veils and gloves and used beekeeping equipment and is part of the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program.  

For further information visit the Agriculture Victoria website: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-insects-and-mites/varroa-an-exotic-parasite-mite-of-honey-bees