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Which diseases of bees must be notified? How soon must they be notified? Who do I notify? The Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 provides for the monitoring and control of livestock diseases in Victoria. The contagious or infectious diseases and conditions which may affect bees referred to in this Note are declared as notifiable diseases for the purpose of the Livestock Disease Control Act. Likewise, the reporting and record keeping requirements are in accordance with that Act and Regulations made under it. Diseases declared under the Act The following diseases and conditions which may affect bees have been declared as notifiable diseases under the Act.
The reporting requirements in respect of these diseases are set out below. Diseases which must be reported immediately The presence of :
The Chief Veterinary Officer, Victoria Department of Primary Industries Telephone: (03) 9217 4246 or Disease Watch Hotline: 1800 675 888 (24 hours). Diseases which must be reported within 12 hours Within 12 hours of a person becoming aware or suspicious of one of the following diseases:
Manager - Animal Health Operations Department of Primary Industries Midland Highway, Bendigo, VIC Telephone: (03) 5430 4517 (24 hours); Facsimile: (03) 5430 4505 Diseases which must be reported within 7 days Within 7 days of a person becoming aware or suspicious of one of the following diseases:
Manager - Animal Health Operations Department of Primary Industries Midland Highway, Bendigo Telephone: (03) 5430 4517 (24 hours); Facsimile: (03) 5430 4505 However, a person need not report the diseases listed if, within 7 days of knowing or suspecting the presence of the disease, the bees have been attended by a government apiary inspector, or if appropriate diagnostic specimens obtained from the bees are submitted to a registered veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Where only attended by an apiary inspector, the apiary inspector must report the suspicion or presence of disease, but where specimens are submitted to a registered veterinary diagnostic laboratory, the laboratory becomes responsible for reporting. These arrangements are to overcome multiple reporting and recording of disease incidents. Who is obligated to report a notifiable disease ? A person knowing or having reason to suspect that a disease is present in bees, bee hives, components of bee hives, or bee products:
How long must records relating to diseases be retained? An owner of livestock and a veterinary practitioner must retain any documents evidencing the suspicion or presence of a disease or exotic disease in livestock for a period of 7 years from the time the presence of the endemic or exotic disease was identified. Confidentiality of information All notifications to the Department of Primary Industries are normally dealt with in the strictest confidence unless the owner authorises the release of the information. Information about the disease status of a property or hives can only be released if the Secretary of the Department determines that release of the information is in the public interest eg. if public health or international trade is compromised. Disease investigations Early detection of exotic disease is extremely important and any bees or honey bee brood with unusual signs should be reported to the nearest apiary inspector. There are no Government charges for exotic animal disease investigations, including negative diagnoses. Further information Further information on these or related matters may be obtained from: Russell Goodman Institute for Horticultural Development Department of Primary Industries 621 Burwood Highway Knoxfield Vic 3180 Telephone: (03) 9210 9222 Facsimile: (03) 9800 3521 Email: russell.goodman@dpi.vic.gov.au The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2008.
This document was published on 26/10/2008.