AFB outbreak in Wallingford area

[wilderness]

With the proliferation of recycled honey barrels as waterbuts it is not inconcievable that someone aquired one of these that had not been thoroughly cleaned.

Rowse process thousands of drums of honey from all over the world. I've read somewhere that each drum retains a kilo of honey when emptied. That's one hell of a lot of honey waiting to bee robbed by the local bees.

How are the drums disposed of? Local scrap yard? Are they washed before disposal? Not all will go for water butts.

 

[oliver90owner]

A lot of these will be recycled? Food grade so either plastic, plastic lined or stainless steel?

Regards, RAB

 

[wilderness]

I’ve seen a recent letter from FERA (April 30). Some interesting information relating to honey packing plants and AFB outbreaks.
Quote:
“The analysis we’ve [FERA] undertaken demonstrates a strong correlation between two honey packing plants and local AFB outbreaks”
“The analysis does not prove that the plants are the cause or source of the AFB infections. We do accept that the analysis provides reasonable evidence for action to reduce the risks from these two plants and that is what we are discussing further with them.”
“In addition to preparing a paper for submission to a scientific publication, we [FERA] will prepare an information note for beekeepers and will aim to circulate in May.”

Daisy, the report has been published https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadNews.cfm?id=74

and there is another apiary which has been identified with AFB in East Wallingford. Not sure who this is though.