Asian honey bees confirmed at Townsville Port

Asian honey bees have been discovered at the Port of Townsville. Testing is underway to reveal the origin of the hive - but so far no varroa mite has been located on the bees, authorities say.

The Asian honey bee swarm detected at the Port of Townsville, January 10, 2025.

Asian honey bees have been discovered at the Port of Townsville.

Testing is underway to reveal the origin of the hive and ensure they are not carrying exotic viruses - but so far no varroa mite has been located on the bees, authorities say.

Biosecurity Queensland confirmed the presence of the Asian honey bees at the port on January 10.

Surveillance activities will continue around the port to locate any more feral bee colonies.

This is not the first time Asian honey bees have been caught landing in Queensland through the Port of Townsville.

In 2016 a feral Asian honey bee hive infected with varroa jacobsoni mites was found near the port by stevedores.

Authorities spent the next three years eradicating and monitoring the bees and mites in Townsville.

All beekeepers in Townsville are being urged to immediately report any sighting of Asian honey bees and swarms/hives showing any symptoms of exotic pests to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Originally published as Asian honey bees confirmed at Townsville Port