Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:25 PM AWST

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Manage pests and disease within a honey bee colony

Manage pests and disease within a honey bee colony

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCBEK313
State Code
OAO52
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
19/12/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/05/2019
Field of Education
059901 - Pest And Weed Control
Original Release Date
28/05/2019
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect a honey bee colony for indicators of disease or evidence of pests, and take appropriate follow-up action.The unit applies to beekeepers who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.State and territory legislation, regulations and local government by-laws apply in some jurisdictions to beehive ownership, compliance with biosecurity codes of practice and notifiable pests and diseases.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to check honey bee colony
  • 1.1 Identify health and safety in the workplace hazards associated with opening and inspecting a hive and take actions to minimise risk
  • 1.2 Select, fit and use suitable personal protective equipment
  • 1.3 Select and use tools and equipment for opening and inspecting a hive
2. Inspect hive and identify possible pests diseases and poor health
  • 2.1 Inspect flight paths around hive entrance for evidence of poor health of adult bees
  • 2.2 Inspect the outside of hive for signs of diseased brood
  • 2.3 Open the hive and inspect colony for signs and symptoms of poor health, pests and disease
  • 2.4 Identify and record possible poor health, disease or pests according to signs and symptoms
3. Undertake field diagnosis procedures
  • 3.1 Collect samples for testing and gather evidence to help with diagnosis according to symptoms and industry standards
  • 3.2 Conduct field diagnosis procedures appropriate for the pest or disease to identify likely cause
  • 3.3 Collect, secure and label samples for transport to specialist for confirmation
  • 3.4 Communicate with specialist to ascertain pest or disease identity
  • 3.5 Report notifiable pests and diseases to authorities
4. Implement biosecurity and treatment measures
  • 4.1 Identify biosecurity control measures and treatments for identified pest or disease
  • 4.2 Implement biosecurity measures or treatments to rectify pests or diseases according to treatment product label, workplace procedures and biosecurity code of practice
  • 4.3 Monitor the impact of control measures and treatments
5. Monitor treatments and maintain records
  • 5.1 Review the effectiveness of control measures and treatments
  • 5.2 Record results of inspections and remedial actions taken
  • 5.3 Maintain records for future beekeeping operations
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAT24 AHCBEK306 Manage pests and disease within a honey bee colony Unit of competency