Written question asked by Anna Gelderd (Labour) on Friday, 18 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Friday, 25 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bees: Disease Control and Pest Control

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent the spread of (a) bee pests and (b) diseases linked to the importation of non-native honey bee strains.

Answer: Apis mellifera also known as the Western honey bee is native to Europe. All consignments of honey bees (Apis mellifera) imported into the UK must be accompanied by health certificates confirming that the area the bees originated from is free of certain pests and diseases. The health certificate must be issued no more than 24 hours prior to dispatch and the certifying officer must also confirm that a pre-export inspection took place.

Secondary information