Major 'biosecurity alert' issued for Ireland after Asian hornet found in Cork
A statement issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage warned that the Asian hornet poses a serious threat.
'Even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations,' the statement said.
A dedicated taskforce has already been created in response to the jarring discovery in Cork and a government-led response is underway. However, it has been stated that a major public health risk is not an immediate concern. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a 'biosecurity alert for Ireland' after a recent sighting and capture of an Asian hornet was confirmed in Cork. Pic: Shutterstock
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan stressed that the hornet is a 'threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity.'
'We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area.'
People have been asked to make themselves aware of how Asian Hornets appear and how to identify them. Sightings should be reported immediately to the NPWS help protect Ireland's biodiversity.
An Asian hornet is noticeably different from the native European hornet and other wasps in Ireland.
You can identify one by these key features:
Size:
Asian hornets are smaller than the European hornet — at 2.5-3cms.
Colour:
The hornets have a mostly dark brown or black body with a distinctive yellow-orange band near the end of the abdomen.
Their faces are orange or yellowish while their legs are yelllow – this is one of the easiest features to spot so it is worth looking out for. A statement issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage warned that the Asian hornet poses a serious threat. Pic: JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP via Getty Images
Flight patterns:
Asian hornets are often seen hovering in front of beehives, hunting honeybees, so those living near beehives should keep a particular eye out.
It is important to note that if you spot an Asian hornet, you are advised to not to try to capture, handle or disturb it. Instead, try to take a clear photo from a safe distance and report the sighting immediately to the NPWS or biodiversityireland.ie.
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