Bee testing takes place in Scotland
Scotland's first ever bee health survey has taken place, to help inform future decisions relating to bee health.
The survey was conducted with the help of 10 per cent of Scotland's beekeepers, involving inspections and testing throughout the country.
Samples from 60 adult bees from each site were taken, as well as a questionnaire completed by each beekeeper and a floor sample tray from each apairy.
Results will provide a snapshot of the nation's bee health, and will help when making decisions about the treatment of diseases, pests and emerging threats to the insect.
The bee health check comes after a Honey Bee Health Strategy for Scotland, which was developed by the Scottish Government in order to track the country's bee population.
"Bees have a vital role to play in our ecosystem," said Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse. "Not just because they produce honey and other products, but because of their valuable contribution to the pollination of many crops and wild plants.
"Bees can also be an early warning system for other problems which may be developing in our environment. That is why it is important that we monitor bee health and ensure our bees stay healthy, particularly as they are susceptible to a wide variety of threats, including pets and diseases."
Testing is currently taking place at the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) labs.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
