The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have taken immediate action to contain and exterminate Asian honey bees detected on a cargo vessel that arrived at Townsville from Port Moresby in early January.

Dead and alive bees were detected as the vessel was being unloaded.

Shipping containers and the vessel were carefully inspected by DAFF and a pest controller was engaged to exterminate the bees. No queen bee or hive has been identified.

DAFF will continue surveillance of the area, but so far no additional bees have been found.