The first find of bee disease American Foulbrood (AFB) in Scotland this year has occurred in a single hive near Bridge of Earn, Perthshire and beekeepers within 3km of affected hive are encouraged to increase biosecurity.
The infected hive was detected by the beekeeper, with the disease being confirmed by SASA on 24 May 2023.
AFB is a notifiable disease that affects colonies of honeybees, and unfortunately there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.
Beekeepers within 3km 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 of AFB is a timely reminder that 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.”
READ MORE: Bee disease confirmed in Perthshire
In 2022 there were 10 honey bee colonies confirmed positive for AFB in Scotland, in seven different apiaries and belonging to six different beekeepers. Disease trends of the disease through the years are publicly available in BeeBase.
Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie said: "“My thoughts go out to the affected beekeeper. 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. I will continue to monitor this issue as it develops and I encourage local beekeepers to keep a watchful eye over their hives.”
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