Funds to work against bee disease

FUNDING from the EU and the Department of Agriculture and Food will be used in Ireland this year for research into Varroa, a disease in bees that is affecting many countries.

Minister of State Brendan Smith confirmed the decision when he addressed the Irish Beekeepers’ Association’s annual summer course and national honey show at Gormanston, Co Meath.

He said the Varroa pest continues to pose a significant threat to Irish bees and it is vital to explore new control methods, which are safe for bees, the environment and honey products.

“This research project, which is carried out by Teagasc, is aimed at devising an integrated management strategy involving the use of chemical and biotechnical methods and the deployment of Varroa resistant bees,” he said.

Minister Smith said his department has also given financial support to the revising and updating of a booklet on Varroa, which was recently completed and published by Teagasc.

“I encourage all beekeepers to obtain a copy and follow the recommendations on Varroa detection, monitoring and control treatments. It is vital that all beekeepers work together to control Varroa,” said Mr Smith.

Referring to next month’s Apimondia world congress of beekeepers in Dublin, he said his department is pleased to provide financial support towards the scientific and educational component of the programme.

The minister praised the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations for organising this major event.