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Beekeeper stung for not registering hives

Monday 2 November 2009

Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) is urging all beekeepers, commercial and hobbyists, to register their hives or face the risk of prosecution and heavy fines.

On Thursday, 8 October 2009 a Lucindale beekeeper was found guilty of two counts of owning unregistered beehives at the Naracoorte Magistrates Court. The presiding magistrate, Mr Bill Morris SM, fined the beekeeper a total of $2,300 plus incidental prosecution and court costs.

This is the first of several cases pending for apiarists failing to register their beehives in accordance with The Livestock Act 1997.

The registration of beehives is one of the key components in the apiary industry’s ability to effectively respond to exotic disease incursions and implement endemic disease control programs.

“The legal requirement to register beehives is not new and applies to all apiarists irrespective of how many hives they own,” South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley said.

“The apiculture industry is facing some very real and potentially devastating disease threats - particularly from exotic bee diseases such as the Varroa destructor mite, and the endemic disease American Foulbrood.

“These diseases will not only impact on the profitability of apiarists, but will also have implications for other crops that rely on pollination from honey bees including the various horticulture and pasture seed production industries.”

Mr Barry Pobke, president of the SA Apiarists’ Association (SAAA) said that the outcome of this case should be a wake-up call for all people who keep bees.

“PIRSA Biosecurity manages this process at the request of the apiary industry to help protect our industry. In the event of a disease we need to know who has hives and where they are,” he said.

“Australia is lucky - we don’t have the Varroa destructor mite yet.  We need all hive owners to register their hives if we want to remain disease free and maintain a viable apiculture industry.”

Apiarists need to register their hives every year. Costs are minimal, and a registration application form can be obtained from PIRSA Biosecurity - Animal Health, by calling 8207 7902.