Queensland and Victoria have banned the entry of bees, hives and products, including honey, from anywhere in New South Wales as the state struggles to contain an outbreak of the devastating varroa mite.
South Australia announced a similar set of restrictions on Wednesday.
Queensland Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner said NSW had taken "swift action to restrict the spread", but said if the measures failed Queensland had "limited options" for eradicating the pest.
Officials have already ordered the destruction of more than 600 hives across NSW as part of efforts to contain the spread of the foreign varroa destructor, which was first detected in Newcastle last week.
Today Victorian authorities also imposed an order to prohibit bees from NSW entering the state, but authorities stressed there had been no detections and the measure was preventative.
"Varroa mite is a serious threat to Australia's bee population and horticulture industries that rely on pollination," Victoria's Deputy Chief Plant Health Officer Stephen Dibley said.
"The restrictions mean that no bees, hives or beekeeping equipment can be moved into Victoria from NSW without a permit.
Dr Dibley said beekeepers should vigilant.
"Beekeepers should inspect their hives regularly for signs of varroa mite and other exotic pests using the appropriate methods, including sugar shake and drone uncapping," he said.
Varroa mite was found at the Port of Melbourne in 2018 as part of port biosecurity surveillance but was able to be contained.
