Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission

10/19/2026

09/22/2026

Protecting our bees from an emerging threat 🐝

Last month, our Chair Clare McGettigan wrote to the National Bee Unit raising the BBKA's concerns about Tropilaelaps, a tiny but devastating mite that poses a serious risk to honey bees. Following recent confirmation of its presence in Turkey and evidence of a westward spread across the region, we called for precautionary action on the imports of bees and beekeeping equipment.

We're pleased to say the first of our asks has been taken up: Turkey has now been added to the UK's safeguard list, tightening the controls on imports from the region. It's an encouraging step and we'll keep pressing for the further measures we've called for.

Why does this matter? Tropilaelaps can be carried into the country in imported bees and equipment which is exactly why strong import controls are one of our best defences. Keeping it out is far easier than dealing with it once here.

We'll continue to work with the authorities to keep emerging risks like this firmly on the agenda because protecting the health of our honey bees is at the heart of everything we do.

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09/04/2026

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