With Varroa destructor now established in Australia, the National Transition to Management of Varroa Mite Program has completed a comprehensive review of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice and the Biosecurity Manual for Beekeepers. These updated documents are now officially released and set a clear path forward for managing biosecurity risks in an evolving landscape.
The Code of Practice – developed in consultation with government and industry – provides a consistent, practical framework for best-practice biosecurity across Australia.
Biosecurity in beekeeping refers to the steps taken to prevent, detect, and manage pests and diseases. Strong biosecurity protects your hives, your business, and the health of Australia’s honey bee population.
Key Objectives of the Updated Code
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Lift industry-wide productivity through improved pest and disease management.
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Help beekeepers identify exotic pests and diseases early and respond effectively.
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Ensure all beekeepers carry out routine surveillance for both exotic and endemic pests.
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Provide clear guidance for managing Varroa mite as part of normal hive operations.
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Strengthen the control of endemic diseases, particularly American foulbrood (AFB).
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Support the smooth movement of hives across state borders with one national standard.
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Secure the long-term sustainability of the Australian honey bee industry.
Varroa Checks: Now More Important Than Ever
With Varroa now endemic, routine mite checking has become even more critical. Regular surveillance has always been a core responsibility for beekeepers, but the presence of Varroa means consistent monitoring is now essential for detecting rising mite loads early and taking timely action to protect colonies.
To support this, we’ve made surveillance simple and accessible with our Nuplas Varroa Check Kits. These kits give you everything you need to conduct accurate mite washes and meet national surveillance expectations.
→ View our Varroa Check Kits
Routine Surveillance & Reporting Through BeeMAX
Regular alcohol washes or sugar shakes should be part of every beekeeper’s schedule. These checks only take a few minutes and provide vital information about hive health and infestation levels.
Even if your hives appear healthy, don’t skip surveillance – early detection and consistent reporting help protect the entire industry.
BeeMAX is the current reporting platform for Victorian beekeepers, and all Victorian beekeepers are encouraged to complete checks frequently and report every result (including zero findings). This data strengthens Victoria’s response to Varroa and supports long-term monitoring efforts.
Download the Updated Documents
Both official documents are available below:
New Biosecurity Manual 25 10 16
Staying informed is one of the strongest tools we have in keeping bees healthy and the industry moving forward. If you have any questions or want help finding the right equipment to support compliance, our team at Nuplas is always here to help.