An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB) has been found in a single hive in the Stanley area of Perthshire, the Scottish government has said.
The infected hive was detected by the beekeeper, with the disease being confirmed by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) on Friday (April 5).
This is the first finding of AFB in Scotland this year and beekeepers within 3km of the affected hive have been encouraged to increase biosecurity and will be alerted via BeeBase.
AFB is a notifiable disease that affects colonies of honeybees. There is no treatment for the disease.
Chief veterinary officer for Scotland, Sheila Voas, said: “The finding of AFB 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 restrictions 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 Honey 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.”
