SHB's arrival confirmed

Reports about the arrival of the small hive beetle (SHB) in Portugal have been confirmed. In a news release, the UK's NBU said:

The SHB has this month been intercepted in an unauthorised consignment of queen bees imported into Portugal from Texas. Positive confirmation was made through Laboratory diagnosis on two suspect larvae detected in the queen cages. The Portuguese Veterinary Authorities took rapid action to isolate the infested apiaries, and treat both the soil and destroy all colonies and associated beekeeping equipment. It is hoped that these measures successfully eradicated the SHB.