Customs warns of bee parasite risk and urges public not to bring bees from north

Nicosia, Cyprus. The customs department warned on Friday that a parasitic mite could reach Cyprus and spread through its bee colonies. It appealed to the public not to transport bees or beekeeping equipment from the occupied north.

Possible detection in Turkey

According to a department statement, indications suggested that Tropilaelaps mercedesae had been found in an area in Turkey’s east, prompting concern that the parasite could be introduced to Cyprus.

The department described the mite as a major danger to beekeeping, citing its fast reproduction and capacity to severely harm developing bees as well as whole colonies.

Prevention and Green Line restrictions

Customs called for vigilance over attempts to move potentially affected material and said the relevant authorities should be alerted immediately so that the parasite could be kept from entering and spreading.

The department also reiterated that the Green Line Regulation prohibits animals and animal products from being moved across the Green Line, and that any such items discovered could be confiscated.

It cautioned, however, that the small size of bees made them easy to hide and transport. Its appeal covered bees, queen bees and associated beekeeping equipment from the north, with the department stressing that keeping the parasite out was vital for safeguarding beekeeping in Cyprus.