No sign of ourextinction yet
ALBERT Einstein said that if bees disappear we’ll be finished within four years so thankfully the national bee unit which protects the honey bee has not been busy here in recent years.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill confirmed there have been no incidents involving exotic pests and diseases of bees reported to her Department by the National Bee Unit, within the last four years.
The National Bee Unit is involved in the control of bee pests and diseases and training for beekeepers for over 60 years. The current team of 80 people comprises laboratory diagnostics, programme support, research personnel and bee inspectors.
The Unit’s role is to protect the honey bee, an important pollinator of crops and wild plants from threats such as serious pests and diseases and environmental damage.