AFB inScotland

[VEG]

EMBA NEWS......

From Edinburgh beekeepers by e-mail

July 2010 - Disease Confirmed in Scotland ...
American Foulbrood found in West Lothian. An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB), a disease affecting honeybees, has been found in an apiary in West Lothian, Scotland. The disease was discovered on July 16 by a Scottish Government Bee Inspector. A 5km 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 a this is the most effective known treatment. There are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of honey.

 

[Midland Beek]

Perhaps someone like Gavin or another Jock could tell us whether these bees are likely to have been moved to this location in West Lothian for the heather.

I note that Head Bee Inspector writing in the current edition of BBKA News tells anyone selling nucs/bees to get the address of the buyer in case disease is found, so making the tracing of bees possible. But same geezer does not say to keep records of movements of colonies to the heather or for pollination contracts or for whatever reason.