An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB), a disease affecting honeybees, has been found in an apiary in West Lothian. The disease was discovered today by a Scottish Government Bee Inspector.
A five kilometre Infected Area has been declared around the apiary, located between Linlithgow and Kirkliston. The movement of bees and related equipment is prohibited, except under licence from the Scottish Government.
An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB), a disease affecting honeybees, has been found in an apiary in West Lothian. The disease was discovered today by a Scottish Government Bee Inspector.
A five kilometre Infected Area has been declared around the apiary, located between Linlithgow and Kirkliston. The movement of bees and related equipment is prohibited, except under licence from the Scottish Government.
The infected area extends from the Forth in the north to Uphall and Broxburn in the south, and from Linlithgow in the west to between Winchburgh and Kirkliston in the east. Bee inspectors will be carrying out inspections on apiaries in the area in coming days.
Hives with AFB must be destroyed as there is no known treatment. There are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of honey.
Beekeepers are urged to check their hives and notify any suspicion of disease to BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
In order to assist Scottish Government Bee Inspectors to control the disease beekeepers are urged to register on BeeBase, the national bee database. This will give them access to up-to-date information on control of American Foulbrood and bee related issues.