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“Killer hornets” cause alarm
The bee-killing Asian hornet has been detected in Austria for the first time. Burgenland is part of the danger zone.
The detection of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) in Austria has also set alarm bells ringing among beekeepers in Burgenland. "This hornet species is known for its aggressive attacks on bee colonies, during which it kills these insects and uses them to feed its larvae. Combating Velutina is therefore of great importance in order to minimize the damage to the environment, the beekeeping industry and other agricultural production sectors such as vegetable and fruit growing," emphasizes Nikolaus Berlakovich, President of the Chamber of Agriculture.
The first confirmed sightings in Bavaria and Hungary near the border with Austria took place in August 2023. However, it is expected to spread over very long distances. This means that eastern Austria in particular is in the immediate danger zone, according to the Chamber of Agriculture.
Not harmless for humans either
"The Asian hornet is slightly smaller than our native hornet. The Asian hornet is also more aggressive. Its sting can be dangerous for humans," says bee expert Kerstin Seitz. In addition to the constant exchange with the chairman of the Burgenland beekeeping association Herbert Grafl, local beekeepers and pest controllers, a reporting system has therefore been established to counteract the spread, the province also explains.
It is important to work actively and across federal states on measures to contain the Asian hornet.
Landeshauptmann Stellvertreterin Astrid Eisenkopf
Bild: zVg
Please report sightings!
"Everyone can help and report sightings of nests, which are often very conspicuously large and hanging from treetops," says Deputy Governor Astrid Eisenkopf. The costs for removing the nests will be covered by the province. Burgenland will submit a proposal for a joint approach to combating the Asian hornet at the next provincial conference of agricultural experts.
Report sightings
Biene Österreich is now offering Austria-wide monitoring of the Asian hornet via the "Central Velutina Reporting Portal" (ZVM) together with the chambers of agriculture. An online form is available on the website for reporting any findings of individual animals or Velutina nests. Uploaded photos are verified, put online after confirmation and then forwarded to the federal states.
https://bienengesundheit.at/vespa-velutina
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