Deadly bee disease discovered
A disease affecting colonies of honeybees has been identified in an apiary in Inverness-shire, Scotland. The outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB) was confirmed following laboratory diagnosis by Science and Advice for Agriculture (SASA).
Bee farmers and beekeepers are being urged to be vigilant for signs of the disease and maintain good husbandry. 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 AFB and bee related issues
The hive found to be infected with AFB will be destroyed, as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.
It has been re-iterated that there are no risks to public health and no implications for the quality and safety of honey.
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