AN OUTBREAK of European Foulbrood (EFB), a disease affecting honey bees, has been found in two colonies of honey bees in two apiaries near Perth and Dumfries.

The disease was confirmed following laboratory diagnosis by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture.

Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said “This confirmation of EFB in Scottish bees is a timely reminder that bee farmers and beekeepers should be vigilant for signs of diseases as they go through their hives, they should maintain good husbandry practices at all times and notify any suspicion of disease to Scottish Government bee inspectors.”

In order to assist Scottish Government Bee 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 the control of EFB and bee related issues. Beekeepers should notify any suspicion of disease to the Scottish Government via the Bees Mailbox.

EFB is a notifiable disease under The Bee Diseases and Pests Control (Scotland) Order 2007. The bacterium that causes EFB is considered to be spread between hives mainly by beekeepers, their tools and contaminated equipment. EFB rarely kills colonies rapidly, and its spread and development can be prevented by good hygiene and husbandry.

Hives where EFB is found can be treated, unlike American Foulbrood which cannot and hives must be destroyed.

Beekeepers in the area of this outbreak that are not on BeeBase are requested to register at https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/public/register.cfm or send their contact details to Bees_Mailbox@gov.scot.