Beekeepers in Perthshire have been put on alert after an outbreak of a fatal bacterial disease was discovered in a single hive near Blairgowrie.
The outbreak of American Foulbrood (AMF) was detected by Scottish Government bee inspectors and confirmed by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) last Thursday (May 19).
It’s understood the beekeeper concerned has been informed of the discovery - said to be the first finding of AFB in Scotland this year - and is cooperating with Scottish Government inspectors.
AFB is a notifiable disease under the Bee Diseases and Pests Control (Scotland) Order 2007 affecting colonies of honeybees. The infected hive will now be destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.
Beekeepers within 3km from the affected colony have already been alerted to the discovery via BeeBase, the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) National Bee Unit website, and encouraged to increase their biosecurity.
The Scottish Government has said 10 honey bee colonies were confirmed positive for AFB across Scotland in 2021 in 10 different apiaries and belonging to three different beekeepers. Details of trends of the disease over the years are made available to the public via the BeeBase website.
Chief veterinary officer for Scotland Sheila Voas said last week: “The finding of AFB is disappointing, however it is a timely reminder that beekeepers should remain vigilant for signs of the disease at all times and it emphasises the important work of the Scottish Government Bee Health Team.
“As determined by legislation, appropriate action will be taken.
“There is no treatment permitted in the UK for AFB and therefore the bees, combs or bee products from the hive are required to be destroyed (by burning) whilst the hive, debris from the hive and any appliances or other things liable to spread the disease will be served with a notice requiring either treatment (sterilization) or destruction.
“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.
“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.”
