12 June 2026: Outbreak of small hive beetle in Lazio, Italy
Updated 26 June 2026
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OVS note number: 2026/30
Date: 12 June 2026
Purpose
To inform you that, following a recent outbreak of small hive beetle in Lazio, Italy, safeguard declarations have now been published to restrict imports from the region of Lazio of:
- honeybees
- bumblebees
- unprocessed apiculture by-products
- used beekeeping equipment
- apiculture products in honeycomb intended for human consumption
Background
Small hive beetle was first discovered in Italy in 2014 and safeguard declarations restricting imports into Great Britain of bee and apiculture commodities from the regions of Calabria and Sicily have been in force since January 2023 and October 2024 respectively (see OVS Note 2024/47).
Italy notified WOAH of a new outbreak of small hive beetle, which was confirmed on 4 June 2026 in the region of Lazio: (WAHIS).
To mitigate risk, safeguard declarations have today been published to temporarily suspend imports of the following commodities from the region of Lazio:
- honeybees
- bumblebees
- unprocessed apiculture by-products
- used beekeeping equipment
- apiculture products in honeycomb intended for human consumption.
The above restrictions are given effect in the following declarations, published in guidance on Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues:
- small hive beetle in Lazio, Italy - declaration of special measures (England)
- small hive beetle in Lazio, Italy - declaration of special measures (Scotland)
- small hive beetle in Lazio, Italy - declaration of special measures (Wales)
These safeguard measures apply from 13 June 2026 and will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team