EU bee-keepers warned against exotic new parasite

Europe's bee-keepers received a stern warning yesterday to guard against the arrival of an exotic new pest which could wipe out entire bee colonies if it gains a foothold on the continent.

The small hive beetle has not yet been seen in Europe, according to the EU's executive Commission.

"It's a developing parasite and nobody knows exactly where it is in the world. We don't believe that it is yet in Europe," said a Commission spokeswoman. "It has a very destructive impact on bees and destroys the whole stock," she told reporters.