Thursday 13 Jun 2019 @ 11:32
Scottish Government
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Bee Disease Confirmed

American Foulbrood found in Perthshire.

An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB) has been found in an apiary near Blairgowrie in Perthshire.

AFB is a notifiable disease that affects colonies of honeybees. The infected hive will be destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.

The disease was confirmed on 11 June following laboratory diagnosis by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA).

Sheila Voas, Chief Veterinary Officer Scotland, yesterday said:

“The confirmation that AFB has been found in a colony of honeybees in Perthshire is disappointing and a timely reminder that beekeepers should remain vigilant for signs of the disease at all times.

“The infected hives will now be destroyed as per EU law. The movement of bees and related equipment into or out of the affected apiary is also prohibited. I would reiterate that while this is disappointing, there are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of Scottish honey.”

Background

AFB is a notifiable disease under The Bee Diseases and Pests Control (Scotland) Order 2007.  It kills off bee larva, is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate.  Unlike European Foulbrood (EFB) hives with AFB cannot be treated and must be destroyed.

Beekeepers in the area of this outbreak who are not on BeeBase are requested to send their contact details to BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. 

Further information and details on how to register on BeeBase can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/beehealth

 

Channel website: http://www.gov.scot/

Original article link: https://news.gov.scot/news/bee-disease-confirmed-9

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