[/QUOTE]
Millions of bees in Australia have been put on lockdown and thousands will be destroyed after a deadly parasite was detected in the country.
According to a BBC report, the "varroa" parasite was detected near a Sydney harbour last week, but in the following days problem hives were found 100 kilometres away.
The outbreak threatens to cost the honey and food production sector millions of dollars, experts warn. Those responsible in a new biosecurity zone will not be able to move hives, bees or honeycombs.
Australia was the only continent free of the pest, which poses the biggest threat to bees worldwide.
The parasites, which are about the size of a sesame seed, weaken and kill colonies while transmitting various viruses at the same time.
Source: Cyprus Times
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
