‘Vets checked imported hives box by box’ – Galdes

Veterinary authorities inspected a recent batch of hives that was imported to Malta by a Sicilian company box by box, agriculture parliamentary secretary Roderick Galdes said.

Speaking in Parliament in response to a question by Opposition MP Censu Galea, Galdes reiterated that the hives, that were imported to Malta last week originated in France and not in Sicily, an island that is ravaged by the small hive beetle.

On Sunday, MaltaToday revealed that local beekeepers were concerned that the bees actually originated in Sicily.

One beekeeper claimed that the ferry on which the hives arrived was met by police and border inspection control vets who checked the certificates but did not carry out any physical inspections on the hives.

“A major company [Apiservices] decided to invest in Malta to produce queen bees for Europe,” Galdes said. “All the inspections as required by EU law were carried out. We cannot prohibit the freedom of movement of goods.”

However, he pointed out that globalization has given room for the spread of pest infections and pointed out the recent infestation of the longhorn beetle.

“As far as we know, no bees have arrived from Sicily since the release of a legal notice prohibiting the importation of bees from the island, due to the risk of the pest,” Galdes said. “If anyone is found to have abused the system, our department will take all necessary action.”