Honey Bee Producer Guide to the National Bee Farm-level Biosecurity Standard
Summary of target outcomes

1.0 Bee health management

1.1 Beekeepers minimize exposure to pests by introducing bee stocks of known health status. Sources are documented to enable traceability.

1.2 Beekeepers manage factors to reduce the bees' susceptibility to pests. A response is implemented when threshold levels are reached.

1.3 Beekeepers minimize direct and indirect contact with infected or infested bees.

1.4 Pests and their signs are accurately diagnosed. Bee operations are monitored to assess the risk of pests.

1.5 Beekeepers have a standard response plan in place to address treatment thresholds, options and rotation plans, notification procedures, record keeping, and follow up actions.

1.6 Beekeepers have an elevated response plan in place and the conditions under which it will be implemented are understood.

2.0 Operations management

2.1 Only recommended production inputs are utilized and are obtained from known and reliable sources.

2.2 Beekeepers prevent the degradation and contamination of production inputs by safe and secure storage and disposal.

2.3 Beekeepers obtain bee equipment from known and reliable sources. Used equipment is accompanied by proper permits, if required, and is cleaned and disinfected, or treated upon arrival as needed.

2.4 Beekeepers regularly inspect bee equipment and, when necessary, action is taken to minimize negative impact to bee health.

2.5 Beekeepers take precautions to minimize the spread of pests through human contact with bees and equipment.

2.6 Facilities are constructed to allow for ease in cleaning, are bee tight if needed, and are consistent with government standards if applicable. The facilities have appropriate lighting and climate control for safe storage of bees and production inputs, and enable monitoring and pest management.

2.7 Beekeepers implement a sanitation and maintenance program for all premises, buildings, vehicles, and other equipment.

2.8 Beekeepers implement an integrated management program for weeds and other nuisance pests.

2.9 All those working in a beekeeping operation or utilizing bees are trained and regularly updated on biosecurity risks and protocols.