Outbreak of American Foulbrood bee disease in Tarland

An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB), a disease affecting colonies of honeybees, has been found in an apiary in the Tarland area of Aberdeenshire.

This outbreak has been found as part of the Scottish Government’s surveillance programme.

The AFB-infected hive is being destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.

There are no risks to public health and no implications for the quality and safety of honey.

The movement of bees and related equipment into or out of the affected apiary are under specific controls.

Bee farmers and beekeepers are being urged to be vigilant for signs of the disease, to maintain good husbandry practices and to notify any suspicion of disease to BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

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. Those not on BeeBase are requested to send their contact details to: BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.