Manx bee population thriving

The Island’s honey bee population is doing so well it could be recognised by the European Union.

Manx bee keepers have kept their hives disease free – unlike other neighbouring island’s which have been hit with the spread of new diseases and pests.

In 2008 the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture introduced statutory controls to help prevent the spread of illness including inspection and testing of hives.

The data from this surveillance is being used to make an application to the European Union for recognition of disease freedom.

Alistair Breed from the department says it’s a good achievement:

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