Record keeping

record-keepingBeekeepers must maintain records of biosecurity related actions and observations

For all beekeepers

Good record keeping is essential to good biosecurity as it allows for tracing the source of a disease outbreak or pest incursion.

While it is important that enough data be captured, this does not need to be a difficult or time consuming process. Below is a link to a package of templates that, if filled out wherever necessary, will allow beekeepers to easily adhere to this part of the Code of Practice. It should be noted that this template package is not mandatory and beekeepers may use their own record-keeping systems if they wish, as long as they provide the information required by the Code.

REQUIREMENT
5.1 All beekeepers must keep legible records of:

(a) The dates of all apiary inspections and observations from the inspections including an assessment of the overall strength of the hives in the apiary, any pests or diseases found in the hives and the method used for detection of arthropod pests specified in Part B 3.2.
(b) Details of all actions taken to manage any pests or diseases in the apiary.
(c) Details of sampling method, date(s) of collection, testing body and the results of all honey tests or other independent assessments for the presence of American foulbrood.
(d) Details of movements of hives (including swarm catch boxes); including dates, numbers, geographic locations.
(e) Details of introductions of any bees and used hives or hive components (with or without bees) from external sources; including the date of introduction and the supplier or source.
(f) Details of biosecurity-related training by the beekeeper and any employees of the beekeeper.

5.2 Records may be paper-based or electronic.
5.3 Records must be retained for a minimum of three (3) years.


Downloads

Package of Code of Practice templates (pdf format | Word format)

Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice

The Code of Practice is also available in Greek, Arabic, Italian and Turkish

 

 

 

 

B-Qual record keeping templates

The following record keeping templates were created for B-Qual, an industry owned quality assurance program.

B-Qual Food Safety Program record templates

B-Qual Approved Supplier Program Manual record templates

 


Video about The Code of Practice

Victorian Bee Biosecurity Officer Ally Driessen has recorded a video on the Code of Practice. This video is part of a broader series on B-Qual (Introduction and B-Qual Audit levels), which is available on YouTube.