Beekeepers warned to on their guard

Jul 23 2011 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

BEEKEEPERS have been urged to remain vigilant against an outbreak of a deadly disease.

Bosses at an apiary in Meigle, Perthshire, have been left devastated after the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture Agency ordered them to destroy one of their hives as it had been infected with American Foulbrood (AFB).

The disease can kill young bee larvae, is highly infectious and is difficult to eradicate.

Careful beekeepers in Renfrewshire have not suffered an AFB outbreak for around 40 years and Ian Craig, a former president of the Scottish Beekeepers Association, insists this will continue to be the case, provided proper precautions are taken.

Mr Craig, who lives in Brookfield, said: “As far as we know, there is no infection in Renfrewshire and we have nothing to worry about.

“Renfrewshire is far enough away from Perthshire that we should not have any concerns.

“I think the keepers we know here in Renfrewshire are wise enough not to bring in bees from outside the area and we would encourage them to continue to buy from local sources.

“Perthshire has suffered from some serious outbreaks over the past two years, not only with American Foulbrood but with the European strain too.

“We have never had a European Foulbrood outbreak in Renfrewshire and it is about 40 years since the last recorded case of American Foulbrood.

“So long as everyone remains vigilant and makes sure they know what the signs are, we should be okay.”

The infected hive in Meigle has been destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.

Health bosses, however, have stressed that there are no risks to public health from the disease, nor any implications for the quality and safety of honey.

In the meantime, the movement of bees and equipment into or out of the affected Perthshire apiary has been banned and Scottish Government bee inspectors will be carrying out inspections on apiaries in the area in the coming days.

Beekeepers are urged to check their hives and notify any suspicion of disease by sending an e-mail to BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk