On Sunday 17 July 2016, a nest of Asian bees, Apis cerana, were found in a bird box at a residence in Annandale, Townsville. This is the second find in Townsville following the original find on 27 June.

Examination of the bees has found no Varroa jacobsoni and the comb is still being examined.

This find is around 9 kilometres from the original find at the port of Townsville.

A Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) formed to advise the Consultative Committee on Emergency
Plant Pests (CCEPP) has met and, while the deliberations are confidential, at this stage I can report that it was a positive meeting.

Further information as it is approved for release.

Trevor Weatherhead
Executive Director, Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Inc
20 July, 2016