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Date: | Wed, 17 Feb 1999 14:42:44 +0000 |
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Re the discussions about KBV and the importing of bees from New
Zealand or elsewhere, I just wonder when we (humans) will ever learn.
History is littered with so many examples of humans moving organisms
from the places where they are native and relatively benign to other
places where they prove to have unforeseen and terrible consequences.
For example:
the introduction of smallpox and influenza to the Americas by
Europeans
the introduction of rabbits to Australia by the British
the introduction of rats and cats to New Zealand
the introduction of varroa to Europe and North America
It simply is not possible to guarantee that the importation of bees
from New Zealand to the UK will not result in terrible consequences.
Is the potential reward to be gained from such importation worth the
risk? I don't think it's possible to say, since it's not possible to
know the actual risk of doing it until it's too late. The New
Zealanders (presumably influenced by the terrible havoc wrought on
their native wildlife by imported cats, dogs, rats etc.) do not allow
the importation of bees to New Zealand, and I think they're right to
do so. The only sensible thing seems to be for the UK to do the same.
Please forgive the rant, and it shouldn't be taken personally by those
wishing to do the importation - it's not directed at them, but at the
principle of the thing.
Leo Walford
London, UK
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