The Department of Customs issues a warning about the risk of entry and spread in Cyprus of the Tropilaelaps mercedesae mite, which poses a serious threat to beekeeping, calling on citizens to avoid transporting bees, queens and related beekeeping material from the occupied areas.
According to today's announcement, the Customs Department states that there is an indication of the presence of this mite in an area of eastern Turkey, while stressing that "it poses a serious threat to beekeeping, as it is characterized by a rapid reproduction cycle and can cause significant damage to brood and beekeeping colonies".
Therefore, according to the Customs, "the early identification of possible movement of relevant material and the immediate notification of the competent services are particularly important to limit the risk of its entry and spread".
He clarifies that based on the Green Line Regulation, the movement of animals and animal products is prohibited and any quantity found will be confiscated.
However, he notes that due to the very small size of the bees and the ease of hiding them for transport, he appeals to citizens to avoid transporting bees and beekeeping material from the occupied areas to limit the risk.
CNA
