"We will progressively loosen restrictions and in the not-too-distant future it will be feasible for hives to start crossing the border with varroa, but not yet,"Mr Stephens said.
"They're definitely working to prevent that mite getting into those areas for as long as possible."
"They're getting their bees knocked around by varroa and then small hive beetles are coming in to finish the bees off,"he said.
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