PNG on alert for bee-killing parasite
Updated
Papua New Guinea is on alert after the discovery of a tiny parasite which has destroyed bee populations around the world.
Bees are essential to food production because of their essential role in the pollination of plants.
Dr Denis Anderson from Australia's research body the CSIRO says he discovered the mite in the Eastern Highlands last month and alerted government authorities.
There have been further sightings reported in Madang and Morobe provinces.
The mite has spread into every major country except Australia, and has almost crippled New Zealand's honey industry.
Dr Anderson told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program it's likely to have a big impact on PNG's vital coffee industry.
"Whether its 50 per cent it is hard to know," he said.
"That's what has been shown in experiments, but even if it had half of that effect it will still have a serious effect on PNG .
"We have got pumpkins, beans, most of the fruits that are grown up there like pawpaws and mangos, etc. - all of those things could be effected."
