Building Biosecurity Skills in the Field

The Queensland Beekeepers’ Association recently delivered a well-attended In-Apiary Workshop at the Department of Primary Industries Gatton facility on 11 April 2026, with 44 beekeepers taking part in a full day of practical, hands-on learning.

Despite temperatures soaring above 37°C, participants rotated through a series of interactive workstations. Sessions covered chemical handling and safety (including PPE and treatment options), queen rearing and hive management, as well as essential monitoring techniques such as alcohol washing, drone uncapping, and correct placement of treatment strips.

Attendees also had the opportunity to inspect frames affected by American Foulbrood, gaining valuable experience in identifying its visual signs and characteristic odour—an important skill for early detection and response.

Industry insights were shared by visiting New South Wales queen bee breeder Garth Miller, while Tonia Johnson and Sarah Hickman provided practical resources, including varroa management materials and pest factsheets.

The day also created valuable networking opportunities, strengthening connections across the beekeeping community and welcoming a new Biosecurity Champion to support the Killarney–Warwick region. With St John Ambulance Australia on-site for first aid support, the event was a strong example of collaborative, on-the-ground biosecurity engagement.