Improving greenhouse systems and production practices (greenhouse production practices component)
19 March 2013Cold disinfestation of capsicum and chilli fruit from Queensland
10 May 2013The objective of this project (MT10058) was the development of a Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Plan (IBP), a Biosecurity Manual for the Honey Bee Industry, four pest specific Contingency Plans and a Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) module. – The Honey bee IBP provides the honey bee industry with the framework for risk mitigation and to manage the impact of potential pest incursions. Specifically the IBP identifies the highest risk exotic pests to the industry, determines risk mitigation activities that can reduce the biosecurity threat including apiary level activities, assesses surveillance and diagnostic activities and capabilities available, and investigates how the industry would deal with any exotic pest following detection. – The Biosecurity Manual for the Honey bee Industry provides plain and practical advice for both commercial and hobby beekeepers on how to protect their honey bees from key established and exotic pests and diseases, as well as how to prepare for incursions and minimise the potential impact of any such incursions. – The Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) module is based on sections from the Biosecurity Manual and is mainly targeted at hobby/amateur beekeepers. The BOLT module is present in an online format so that links can be provided for pest specific fact sheets, production records, biosecurity best practice checklists, biosecurity signs, as well as the Biosecurity Manual. At the end of the BOLT module a quiz containing 15 multiple choice questions is included so that beekeepers, or anyone interested in keeping honey bees, could test their knowledge on honey bee biosecurity. Four Contingency Plans were developed for Varroa mites (Varroa destructor and V. jacobsoni), Tropilaelaps mites (Tropilaelaps clareae and T. mercedesae), Tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi) and Braula fly (Braula coeca). These Contingency Plans provide background information on the pest biology and available control measures to assist with preparedness for a honey bee Emergency Plant Pest (EPP) incursion into Australia. It provides guidelines and options for steps to be undertaken and considered when developing a Response Plan to these specific honey bee EPPs. The development and completion of the Honey Bee IBP, Biosecurity Manual for the Honey Bee Industry, four Contingency Plans and the BOLT module was a collaborative effort between the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) and Plant Health Australia (PHA). The cooperation and input of a committed group of experts from government agencies and industry in review of the IBP was also appreciated. AHBIC has undertaken this biosecurity planning and implementation in the form of the Biosecurity Manual for the Honey Bee Industry and BOLT module on behalf of its member states and beekeepers from around Australia to protect and maintain a viable and high value honey bee industry. This pre-emptive planning process has boosted the industry’s capacity to deal with the threat of new pests. Biosecurity threats, their priority and Australia’s preparedness and capacity to respond to these threats (including surveillance programs, technical expertise etc.) change over time. PHA will therefore assist the honey bee industry and government stakeholders to regularly review and update the plan, ensuring it contains the latest possible information on pest risks and the most up-to-date strategies for industry protection.