AFB found in Perthshire beehive

On 19 May 2022, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) confirmed an outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB) in an infected hive near Blairgowrie, following an inspection by Scottish Government bee inspectors. 

AFB is a notifiable disease that affects colonies of honeybees. The infected hive will be destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK. Beekeepers within three kilometres of the affected colony will be alerted via BeeBase and encouraged to increase their biosecurity. 

In 2021, there were ten honeybee colonies confirmed positive for AFB in Scotland, in ten different apiaries and belonging to three different beekeepers. Trends of AFB through the years are available to view on the BeeBase website. 

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland has advised that there are no risks to public health from AFB, and no implications for the quality and safety of Scottish honey. 

Source: Scottish Government, 20 May 2022