A deadly disease which infects bees had been discovered in Ireland for the first time, writes Sean MacConnell. Varr oasis has been identified in Co Sligo and north Mayo. Restrictions on the movement of hives, bees, combs, quilts, bee products or appliances have been introduced. The disease is caused by a parasitic mite, varroa jac obsoni, which feeds on the blood of the honey bee. If a hive becomes badly infected, the colony will collapse.
Ireland was the only country in Europe to have escaped the disease which has disrupted honey production worldwide since it was identified in the 1970s. It was detected in Britain in 1992 and was discovered in Scotland last year. It will be a blow to Ireland's 2,000 beekeepers who are estimated to have 20,000 working hives.