Meigle bees struck by dangerous disease

Jul 21 2011 by Katy Gordon, Blairgowrie Adv

HONEYBEES near Meigle have been quarantined after a dangerous disease was found in the area.

An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB) was confirmed at the apiary on Friday after laboratory diagnosis by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA).

The AFB infected hive has been destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.

There are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of honey. The disease is said to kill off bee larva, is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate. However, the movement of bees and related equipment into or out of the affected apiary is prohibited.

Scottish Government bee inspectors will be carrying out inspections on apiaries in the area in coming days.

Beekeepers are urged to check their hives and notify any disease to BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

In order to assist inspectors to control this and other diseases, beekeepers are urged to register on BeeBase, the national bee database. This will give them access to up-to-date information on control of American Foulbrood and bee related issues.

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.