Beekeepers on alert over disease risks with imported hives such as the hive beetle

Concerns among the country’s 2,500 beekeepers were raised in the Dáil regarding the risks associated with the importation of bees, particularly the hive beetle which was discovered in Italy last year, having arrived there from Africa.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, replying to separate questions from Seán Kyne (FG, Galway West), Seán Flemng (FF, Laois-Offaly), and Bobby Alyward (FF, Carlow-Kilkenny), said American foulbrood and the small hive beetle are both notifiable diseases.

Replying to the deputies, he said American foulbrood has existed in Ireland for many years but the small hive beetle has never been found here.