Bolt For Beekeepers:

Many beekeepers are unaware that Plant Health Australia host a FREE, nationally recognised online course focused on hive health and best-practice bee biosecurity through its Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) platform.

The Biosecurity for Beekeepers course provides beekeepers with essential knowledge to help protect their honey bees from established and exotic pests and diseases, while also supporting compliance with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice.

The course covers:

• Why biosecurity is important for maintaining healthy hives and protecting Australia’s honeybee industry
• How to check your hives for pests and diseases
• Identifying the major pests and diseases of honeybees
• What actions to take, including reporting requirements, if a serious pest or disease is suspected
• Practical biosecurity measures beekeepers can apply to reduce risk and limit spread
• Management and control of Varroa mites in your hive 

The BOLT courses are self-paced and free for Australian beekeepers. Completion can help meet industry training requirements and is recommended as part of good practice, supporting beekeepers to better understand and meet their biosecurity responsibilities.

The courses are delivered by the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council and Plant Health Australia, with input from Australia’s Bee Biosecurity Officers. Development was originally funded by AgriFutures Australia, and ongoing funding from AHBIC and Australian state and territory governments now ensures the course remains free for beekeepers.

Further updates to the course are currently in development. 

Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a role to play in protecting Australia’s honeybee industry. 

Register for the course here: https://honeybee.canopihr.com.au/