Whilst searching for European Foul Brood (EFB) which was discovered in over sixty hives in the Perthshire and Angus area (forty of which have been destroyed), the American strain has also been found in Perthshire apiaries and hives. American Foul Brood (AFB) has been found in atleast four hives and three apiaries.

EFB infected colonies can fortunately be treated and normally saved, those with AFB however must be destroyed by burning the infected hive. The disease itself is caused by a bacterium that infiltrates the bee larvae, consuming their food supply starving the larvae to death. It can be recognised by the strong rotten fish smell (not always present) created in infected hives and the discolouration of cells (see pic), sunken/perforated cappings with brownish meltings inside. The advice of experts is to check your hives regularly and if any signs are present to contact your local beekeeping association to seek advice and to inform the government body DEFRA. Or if in Scotland you can notify these contacts:

SGRPID, Broxden Business Park, Lamberkine Drive, Perth, PH1 1RX. Tel: 01738 602000. Fax: 01738 60200. Email: SGRPID.Perth@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Gavin Ramsay, SBA Diseases Convener, Park View, Station Rd, Errol, Perth, PH1 1RX. Tel: 01821 642385 / 07751 142155. Email: gavinramsay@btinternet.com

EFB was discovered in Perthshire and Angus last month.

Gavin Ramsay from the Scottish Beekeepers Association said: “It’s the worst problem in beekeeping in Scotland for very many years.

“It’s going to be very disruptive to beekeeping probably for a few years.

“It’s a notifiable disease, so that means if you have a suspicion that you have it in your bees you have to tell the authorities and the bee inspectors will come and have a look and test it.

“It’s a new problem, it’s something that we’re not used to dealing with here, so it means people are going to have to learn how to identify it in the early stages so it can be treated, and also how to change our beekeeping to minimise the likelihood it’s going to appear.”