Bee disease found in hive

Keepers urged to be vigilant

An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB) has been found in a single hive near Bridge of Earn - with other local beekeepers now warned to be vigilant.

The infected hive was detected by the beekeeper, with the disease being confirmed by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) last week.

This is the first finding of AFB in Scotland this year.

AFB is a notifiable disease that affects colonies of honeybees and there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.

Beekeepers within three kilometres from the affected colony will be alerted via Beebase and encouraged to increase their biosecurity.

Chief veterinary officer for Scotland, Sheila Voas, said the finding is a “timely reminder”.

She went on to add: “Beekeepers should remain vigilant for signs of the disease at all times. There are no risks to public health and no implications for the quality and safety of Scottish honey.

“The movement of bees and related equipment into, or out of, the affected apiary will be under specific controls supervised by Scottish Government Bee Inspectors and will include enhanced biosecurity measures and increased vigilance in the area.

“Beekeepers should make sure they are aware of the symptoms of AFB and report suspicion of disease to the Scottish Government Bee Health Team.

“I would also encourage Scottish beekeepers to register on Beebase so that they can be informed of any disease outbreaks in their area.”

Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie told the PA that his thoughts go out to the affected beekeeper.

Mr Fairlie went on to add: “Whilst incidences of American Foulbrood are not uncommon with 10 reported positive cases last year, it will clearly be a difficult time for the beekeeper.

“There is unfortunately no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.

“The Scottish Government’s advice is for beekeepers to be vigilant for signs of the disease and to increase their biosecurity.

“Beekeepers must report suspicion of the disease to the Scottish Government Bee Health Team, whilst Scottish Government Bee Inspectors will supervise specific controls on the movement of bees and related equipment into and out of the apiary.

“I will continue to monitor this issue as it develops and I encourage local beekeepers to keep a watchful eye over their hives.”