Moroccan beekeepers alert on spreading oriental hornet threat

The National Union of Beekeeping Professionals in Morocco has issued an urgent alert regarding the spread of the oriental hornet across several regions of the country. Beekeepers report a significant increase in sightings and nests, particularly in northern areas including Tangier, Tetouan, and surrounding sectors.

Industry professionals are calling for immediate field interventions to locate and destroy nests to prevent further expansion. They emphasize that the insect poses a direct threat to bee colonies, which could destabilize apiaries and impact pollination and honey production. The union is requesting organized mobilization and better monitoring systems to detect new infestations quickly.

Reports of the hornet's presence date back to October 2023 in the Fahs-Anjra province, with subsequent sightings in Tangier and near Ksar Sghir. The professional union has previously alerted the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) to the growing risk.