Honeybee hives destroyed after highly contagious infection found

Two honeybee hives are to be destroyed after they were discovered to have a highly contagious infection.

The hives, near Blairgowrie in Perth and Kinross, were infected with American foulbrood (AFB), which kills bee larva and is difficult to eradicate.

Unlike the European foulbrood, there is no way to contain AFB other than destroying infected hives.

The infections were found by two Scottish Government bee inspectors.

The hives belong to a commercial bee keeper, who also had AFB in other hives around Blairgowrie and Pitlochry in 2019.

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

Chief veterinary officer for Scotland Sheila Voas said: “The repeated finding of AFB near Blairgowrie is disappointing and emphasises the important work of the Scottish Government bee health team.

“It is a timely reminder that beekeepers should remain vigilant for signs of the disease at all times.

“As per EU law, the infected hives will now be destroyed.

“The movement of bees and related equipment into or out of the affected apiary is also now prohibited.

“I would reiterate that while this is disappointing, there are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of Scottish honey.”