Free biosecurity course for Aussie beekeepers

Australia’s bee biosecurity partnership. Credit: Plant Health Australia

The Biosecurity for Beekeepers online course is now free for all Australian beekeepers, increasing the accessibility of training which will help protect the honey bee industry from pests and diseases.

Trevor Weatherhead, Chair of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC), said the course was previously only free for commercial beekeepers who had 50 or more hives with others having to pay a small fee.

“AHBIC funding allows the course to be accessed at no cost to commercial beekeepers and now Australian state and territory governments have contributed to make the course free to all beekeepers,” said Trevor

“This is a great step towards improving bee biosecurity standards across Australia which will help ensure the industry’s sustainability into the future.”

Plant Health Australia (PHA) CEO Sarah Corcoran said the course has also been refreshed to ensure it remains current and relevant.

“The course was updated by the PHA training team with advice and input from AHBIC, state bee biosecurity officers and other industry representatives,” said Sarah.

The course, which takes about 90 minutes to complete, covers:

  • checking your hives for pests and diseases
  • identifying exotic and established pests and diseases of honey bees
  • taking action after finding a serious pest or disease in your hives
  • minimising the impact of pests and diseases on your hives.

On successful completion of the course you receive a certificate which demonstrates compliance with the Australian Honey Bee Biosecurity Code of Practice.

Completing an approved pest and disease management course is a requirement of the Code for all beekeepers with 50 or more hives and this course is one way to meet that requirement. Beekeepers can also speak to their local Bee Biosecurity Officer about alternative options.

The Biosecurity for Beekeepers course is delivered by PHA through funding from state and territory governments and AHBIC. The original development of the course was funded by AgriFutures Australia.

For information on how to register for the course visit beeaware.org.au/training