SENASA conducts pest prevention training in Jujuy

The National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) held an informative session at the Escuela Provincial Agrotécnica N.º 1 in El Brete, Palpalá, to prevent the entry of the small hive beetle (PEC) into Argentina.

The African-origin pest is currently considered absent in Argentina, but it is present in neighboring countries including Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. The beetle parasitizes bee colonies, feeding on honey, pollen, and larvae. In its larval stage, the beetle can cause honey to ferment due to yeast in its digestive tract, which is excreted and produces a citrus-like aroma.

SENASA professionals emphasized the need for active surveillance and continuous monitoring of apiaries, noting that adult beetles can fly more than 10 kilometers to locate hives. The training session involved students and teachers from the regional agricultural school.