Biosecurity Queensland Program Manager (Asian honeybee) Russell Gilmour said the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) had taken immediate action to contain and exterminate Asian honeybees detected on a cargo vessel that arrived at Townsville from Port Moresby last Friday.

"Biosecurity Queensland officers are further supporting DAFF's efforts and will conduct foot patrols sweeping the area surrounding the port," Mr Gilmour said.

"Officers will inspect flowering shrubs and plants in the area, while also using Zac, the odour detection dog to search for any bees outside the port.

"Surveillance will also be conducted on places attractive to Asian honeybees such as hollowed logs, letter boxes, and plant and equipment.

"Flowering shrubs and trees that attract Asian honeybees include Coconut palm, Bottle brush, Golden cane palm and Singapore daisy."

Asian honeybees (Apis cerana) are slightly smaller than the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) with distinctive brown and yellow stripes on their abdomen and can be associated with varroa mites which can cause severe losses to European honeybee colonies.

The pests also compete with native insects and birds for food and habitat, create a nuisance for home and business owners and can become aggressive if disturbed.

Mr Gilmour said it's important people don't move any plant or equipment they suspect may be harbouring Asian honeybee as this may spread the pest.

For more information about Asian honeybees, visit

www.biosecurity.ql d.gov.au or call 13 25 23.