The Customs Department on Friday urged the public not to bring bees, queen bees or beekeeping material from the occupied north, warning of the risk that the Tropilaelaps mercedesae mite could enter and spread in the government-controlled areas.
The department said there were indications that the mite was present in an area of eastern Turkey. It described the mite as a serious threat to beekeeping, saying it reproduces quickly and can cause significant damage to brood and bee colonies.
Spotting any movement of such material early and alerting the relevant services immediately were particularly important in limiting the risk, it said.
Under the Green Line Regulation, moving animals and animal products across the Green Line is banned, and any quantity found is seized, Customs said. However, because bees are very small and easy to hide, it appealed to the public not to bring bees or beekeeping material from the occupied north.
(information from CNA)
