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In this month’s edition of The Australasian Beekeeper we find out that it’s the little things that matter. Bees are not alone in the dramatic decline of insect pollinators our article about insect decline comes direct from the UN Environment Program. We to learn about establishing two queen colonies, a skill for all beekeepers from commercial apiarists to the backyard hive owner. Look at how bees cope with stress and also how they deal with naturally occurring poisons. Our article on the pesticide situation will get you thinking. Find out about the commercial possibilities of native blue banded bees and take a closer look at the foraging behaviour of honey bees. Read all about the recent research in the feeding habits of varroa and the implications of these new findings.

Catch up on news in the bee world and connect with other beekeepers via our associations page.

News

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Incursion of Asian bees (Apis cerana) in Darwin
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Varroa jacobsoni in Townsville - Updates from AHBIC

APIS CERANA AND VARROA JACOBSONI IN TOWNSVILLE – NO. 17 - 2 March 2017
In the two and half months since I last reported there have been no Asian bees found in Townsville. Under the Response Plan the eradication phase of the program ended on 28 February and we now move into the proof of freedom stage. It is anticipated that the proof of freedom stage will last for three (3) years unless there are more findings of Asian bees and Varroa jacobsoni.

In February I spent a day in Townsville talking with the leaders of the eradication response. I was pleased with the discussions I had. Now the proof of freedom stage has been started there will be a reduction in the staffing numbers. Key members of the eradication program will be retained.

Thank you to the industry volunteers who went to Townsville to help out. Your input, particularly in showing the local beekeepers how to carry out sugar shakes, alcohol washes and drone uncapping, were very much appreciated by the local beekeepers. This testing forms an important part of the proof of freedom stage.

One of the staff who will moving onto another job is Roger Winton. Roger came in as the local controller when the Asian bees and V. jacobsoni were first found. I found Roger very easy to work with. So thank you Roger for your work. Best of luck in your new job.

So at this stage I will not be putting out any more information bulletins unless there is a change in the situation in Townsville.

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Australian Honey is a Safe Product
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BEE SAFE and BEE Prepared videos online
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