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An outbreak of European Foulbrood (EFB), a disease affecting honey bees, has been found in 2 colonies of honey bees in 2 apiaries near Perth and Dumfries.

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

Sheila Voas, Chief Veterinary Officer Scotland 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.

Background

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. Spread and development of EFB can be prevented by good hygiene and husbandry.

Amongst the notifiable diseases it is classified as one of the less serious bee diseases and is for practical purposes endemic in the UK. 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.

Opportunities are available for beekeepers to familiarise themselves with diagnosis of this notifiable disease and other husbandry aspects through 2 Honey Bee Health Awareness Days taking place at Dumfries on 19 May 2018 and at Tarland, Aberdeenshire on 2 June.