The Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice and the Biosecurity Manual for Beekeepers have both been recently updated to ensure Australian beekeepers have clear, current guidance on best-practice biosecurity. Developed in consultation with beekeepers and governments and funded through the National Varroa Transition to Management Program the update reflects the establishment of Varroa destructor.  The Code provides a nationally consistent framework to support effective pest and disease management and protect Australia’s honey bee industry.

At its core, the Code embeds fundamental biosecurity principles into everyday beekeeping practices. These include training and planning, reducing bees’ exposure to pests and diseases, inspecting hives for early signs of issues, managing pests and diseases when detected, controlling the spread of Varroa mites, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring appropriate hive and equipment maintenance.

Compliance with the Code is monitored through a combination of self-certification and targeted or random inspections of beekeeper records by apiary officers. Particular emphasis is placed on beekeepers managing 20 or more hives. In jurisdictions where the Code is legislated, these beekeepers are required to certify annually that they are complying with the Code, including maintaining appropriate records.

Beekeepers are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated Biosecurity Manual for Beekeepers, which complements the Code by providing practical, step-by-step guidance to support strong on-farm biosecurity and informed day-to-day decision-making.

The recent updates reflect the establishment of Varroa destructor in some Australian states and strengthen the practical guidance available to beekeepers. Together, the updated Code and Biosecurity Manual support strong, consistent biosecurity practices across Australian apiaries.