Dr Stephen Quarrell1, Kathryn Pagler1, Sarah Hilton1, Jonathan Terlich1, Lucy Tran-Nguyen1

1Plant Health Australia, Deakin, Australia

Biography:

Kathryn Pagler is PHA’s Bee Biosecurity Project Officer, working on the National Bee Biosecurity Program and the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program. Previously Kathryn completed an Honours of Applied Science from the University of Canberra, during which she studied the nature of European honey bee gut microbes and their relationship with bee diseases. She has also completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, majoring in molecular and cellular biology, with a major research component on the effects of immunoglobulin A on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Kathryn has also worked as an administration officer at RehabCo, a workplace rehabilitation company.

Abstract:

For over 25 years the importance of honey bee health has been recognised through coordinated national surveillance and strong partnerships between governments and industry.

Since 2012, Plant Health Australia (PHA) has coordinated the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (NBPSP), an early warning system that uses a range of surveillance methods and diagnostic tools at high-risk port locations throughout Australia. In its current iteration, the program is funded through Hort Innovation using levies of 14 horticultural industries and contributions from the Australian Honey Bee Industry Levies, Grain Producers Australia, the Australian Government, and delivered by state and territory governments.

The success of years of surveillance came to fruition with two detections within sentinel hives. In June 2022, Varroa destructor was detected in Newcastle, NSW and in February 2024 a single Varroa jacobsoni mite was detected in Port Brisbane, Qld. This highlights years of dedicated work by government agencies and the ongoing investment by industries and government in supporting early detection projects.

Surveillance is continuing for new incursions of varroa mite in addition to eight other exotic bee pests and pest bees. This is crucial in keeping Australia free from viruses that could enter with new introductions of varroa mite, and other exotic pests/diseases.

Ensuring the longevity and continued success of the program is pivotal in safeguarding the Australian honey bee industry from exotic pest threats and those industries that benefit from honey bee pollination. Outcomes of consultation on the future program design beyond 2024 will be presented.