Biosecurity considerations

 

  1. Age of hive and other hives in location.  Have new hives been introduced recently?
  2. Does the apiary practice migration pollination?
  3. Has new queen’s been purchased and where from
  4. Has a swarmed hive been collected and introduced recently
  5. Location of hive in relation to other hives – Google Earth can be useful in this manner
  6. Location of hive in relation to public path
  7. Location of hive in relation to access by livestock
  8. Note general appearance
  9. Water source
  10. Available food sources – note some food like Canola may need frequent collection of honey
  11. Security measures to stop pests and people – electric fencing
  12. If electric fencing used are the wires clear of vegetation
  13. Is the hive placed on a secure hive stand
  14. Is hive stand clear of vegetation
  15. Is hive stand prepared to stop ants and other insects from entering the hive
  16. Note source of bee equipment
  17. Other bee keepers been recently – especially with their own equipment
  18. Hygiene of bee examination equipment. Sterilise hive tools and frame scrapes after cleaning by soaking in 5% sodium hypochlorite for 20 minutes.  Do not allow other bee keepers to bring their own equipment
  19. Wear disposable gloves
  20. Provide boots for all visitors

 

 

Biosecurity introduction of new stock

– the new queen and attendants

 

1

Keep good records and a calendar of events

2

Enquire about the health of the area where the new queen is coming from

3

Enquire is the source provides specific health information regarding their queen bees

4

When bees arrive keep them well separate from your hives and any bee equipment

5

Examine bees in detail – looking for any parasitic conditions – (Varroasis - (Varroa destructor) in particular) and for any deformities especially in wing structure.

6

Sacrifice the attendant workers and post mortem.  Dissect bees and look for Acarina (Acarapis woodii), and test for European Foul Brood (Melissococcus plutonius) and American Foul Brood (Paenibacillus larvae) by lateral flow.  Macerate bees and examine for Nosema (Nosema apris and Nosema ceranae).

7

Calculate the crude protein content of the worker bees as an indication of general health

8

Set up new hive as far as possible away from your current established apiaries

9

After one month, examine hive in detail.  Review health of new hive.  If no problems are noted, relocate hive to your apiaries