Download Honey bee hive products and used beekeeping equipment - Import risk analysis (July 2002)

The objective of this risk analysis process is to identify and appropriately manage the disease risks posed by the importation of honey bee commodities. The intention is to ensure that a balance is achieved between New Zealand’s need to minimise the likelihood of disease incursions and their consequences, and the need to fulfil obligations under international trade agreements.
Risk analysis consists of a series of steps. The first is to identify those organisms that could potentially be introduced into New Zealand and whether they should be classified as a hazard for which a risk assessment is required. To achieve this, it is necessary to determine if the organisms have been reported in New Zealand (pest and disease status); if any strains in New Zealand are different from those in the exporting country and show variations in pathogenicity; if the organisms are subject to official control or eradication in New Zealand; if introduced, is the organism likely to spread or become established, result in losses associated with trade, production, control or eradication cost, or cause adverse effects on public health, animal welfare or wildlife populations.
Honey bees were introduced to New Zealand and are, therefore, not classed as wildlife and, as they are invertebrates, they are not usually included in animal welfare discussions. Of the pests and diseases discussed in this risk assessment, only causative agents of stonebrood are known to affect animals other than honey bees. Consequently, the remainder are not considered to be animal welfare or wildlife issues.