Scottish Beekeepers Association
The member organisation representing Scottish beekeepers nationally and internationally
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Scottish Government Statement 22nd July
Advice for the Heather - 21st July 09
List of SGRPID Offices (link updated 20 July)
Diseases Convener's leaflet on apiary hygiene
SBA report on current EFB outbreak - updated 17 July
FERA leaflet on foulbrood diseases
SGRPID Guidance Notes for Bee Diseases and Pest Control (Scotland) Order 2007
Scottish Beekeepers Association
Planning for the 2010 Season
A meeting in Edinburgh on 28th January of the Disease Stakeholders Group discussed the proposed plans for tackling foulbrood in 2010. The principles guiding the plans for EFB, a disease found primarily in larger beekeeping operations in 2009, were:
- the need to protect the bees of unaffected beekeepers
- the desire to permit commercial beekeepers to continue their business where possible
- emphasising the risk-based approach guiding the actions of the inspectorate
Not all beekeepers will be satisfied with the approach, but we believe that the proposals on the table are appropriate for the first full season of beekeeping after the discovery of widespread foulbrood disease. The essential features are the aspiration of the inspectorate to inspect all EFB contact colonies themselves in 2010, but the acknowledgement that the first (and possibly the second) move of the season can be made after a full search for brood disease by the beekeepers themselves, after appropriate training and under licence by the inspectorate. Infected colonies will be either moved to quarantine sites for treatment or destroyed, and the contact but asymptomatic colonies will be permitted to be moved in their usual pattern, to be inspected later by the inspectors.
Quarantine sites suggested by the affected beekeepers will be assessed by the inspectorate who now have a good knowledge of most of the beekeepers in the main EFB-infected area, and so it is believed that sites will be found away from other beekeepers.
An offer was made by commercial beekeeper Murray McGregor to host controlled visits by groups of SBA or local association members to a quarantine apiary he intends to establish, to learn identification of EFB first-hand. We appreciate this offer and will discuss it further with him.
AFB will continue to be handled as before, triggering a Standstill Notice and requiring the destruction of all infected colonies.
Opportunities to learn about these diseases in 2009 included talks by myself in Dundee, Fortingall, Dunblane, Glasgow, Helensburgh and Perth. Graeme Sharpe has talked to a range of local associations and also given training courses in Perth, Inverness, Ayr, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. There are also several further talks coming up for beekeepers to learn more about these diseases in the coming weeks:
- 8 Feb 2010 19:00 Edinburgh and Midlothian BKA, RBGE, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh - Angus McAskill
- 9 Feb 2010 19:30 Inverness BKA, Balloch - Gavin Ramsay
- 10 Feb 2010 19:30 Ayr BKA, Doonfoot Primary School, Ayr - Gavin Ramsay
- 10 Feb 2010 19:30 Aberdeen BKA, Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw Road, Inverurie - Willie Taylor and other local experienced beekeepers
- 11 Feb 2010 19:30 Kelvin Valley BKA, Lenzie Public Hall - Gavin Ramsay
- 17 Feb 2010 19:30 Aberdeen BKA, The New Inn, Market Street, Ellon - Willie Taylor and other local experienced beekeepers
- 18 Feb 2010 19:30 Fife BKAs, VONEF, Crossgate, Cupar - Gavin Ramsay
Submitted by the Diseases Convener, 31 January 2010
Discussing the way forward
Yesterday, after a gap of three months, beekeeping representatives had an opportunity to catch up on the activities of the inspectorate and discuss possible options for 2010 in a meeting chaired by the new Chief of Agriculture in the Scottish Government and involving the SBA, BFA, SASA, SAC and Scottish Government specialists in animal health, veterinary regulation and economics. Alan Teale and Gavin Ramsay represented the SBA, and John Mellis and Murray McGregor represented the Bee Farmers Association in Scotland. The main inspections ended on 2 October, rather later than originally anticipated thanks to a warm autumn and cooperative beekeepers. A worrying note was sounded in that the inspectors did not feel that they have reached the limits of the cases of AFB which they were exploring at the end of the season. Infection could extend further north well into Aberdeenshire and this could divert resources from tackling the mixed EFB and AFB outbreak further south. Those resources will comprise 4 full time equivalent posts, with up to 12 individuals operating in a bee inspector capacity.
The main concern of the SBA representatives was that there should continue to be a determined focus on eradicating disease. Some of those around the table believe that EFB infection is now ubiquitous over a large area, and that there is an argument for declaring an infected area within which there could be easier movement. The SBA representatives in particular strongly dispute this view, citing studies from continental Europe that show only a limited spread of bacteria detectable by extremely sensitive techniques into the area around symptomatic outbreaks. These asymptomatic detections would only rarely result in advanced disease, when bacterial contamination surges and the disease is spread further. The focus of FERA south of the border is to eliminate EFB from areas as far as is practicable, and the low rate of re-infection in beekeeping operations that enthusiastically embrace both eradication measures and appropriate hygiene is testament to the effectiveness of this approach. Our expectation is that the measures to be used by government in 2010 will include a total prevention of the movement of colonies which are symptomatic or recently in contact with symptomatic colonies, but that there will be practicable and effective measures to licence the moving of low-risk colonies to sites for seasonal forage in order that beekeeping enterprises can continue to make income. There were already suggestions tabled by one of the beekeeping representatives with such a regime in mind. We look forward to participating in the discussions during the period these measures are drafted.
We requested again that the Scottish Government improve its communications and publish a recent map showing the areas in which foulbrood disease has now been identified.
Updated figures were presented by the inspector leading the season's search for foulbrood infection:
- 2844 colonies inspected in total
- Number of colonies in total in apiaries at least partially inspected: 5782
- EFB present: 255 colonies in 64 apiaries
- AFB present: 123 colonies in 32 apiaries
- 13.2% of all inspected colonies infected with one, the other or (in very few cases) both foulbroods.
These figures are acknowledged to be a serious under-estimate, as just two commercial beekeeping operations between them destroyed over 250 colonies in total, but not all destructions were recorded by the inspectorate.
The SBA has been very active promoting a broader understanding of these diseases amongst its membership, and would also like to endorse the efforts of Graeme Sharpe in this regard. We encourage beekeepers throughout Scotland to attend the remaining presentations by the Diseases Convener, Graeme Sharpe and the bee inspectors themselves so that the membership is well prepared for the coming season.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener, 18 November 2009.
New Totals and New Cases
By 11 September a total of 2466 colonies in 235 apiaries had been inspected by the bee inspectors. Colonies confirmed to have EFB numbered 232 and colonies with AFB numbered 110. It appears to be the case that the AFB discoveries in the Inverness area may all be linked to one ultimate source, and that other outlying AFB cases at the W end of Loch Tay, in the Cumbernauld area and in S Aberdeenshire are due to the movement of diseased bees from the main area after purchase or for heather honey production. However, some of the cases of AFB within the main area in Perthshire have no obvious links, suggesting long-term infections in the area perhaps tracing back to the 1960s when many cases were known to the area's bee inspector at the time. It is still possible that other areas in Scotland may harbour similar long-term AFB infection.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener, 13 September 2009
Oxytetracycline Treatment of Commercial Beekeepers' Colonies
Today's Sunday Herald carries an article by Rob Edwards on the moves to authorise antibiotic treatment of colonies in apiaries belonging to affected commercial beekeepers:
In the article SBA President Alan Teale expressed our concerns on this issue very well, and the point about the intensity of the follow-up next spring is very important. The plan is to licence bee farmers to apply oxytetracycline to their own bees under prescription from the SAC vet, and to revoke the authorisation and collect in unused antibiotic at the end of the autumn. The risks include the possibility of antibiotic contamination of honey and the masking of AFB symptoms. These concerns were raised by myself at a training meeting on Friday when the details of the scheme were first released, and assurances were given on both concerns.
The details of this scheme for antibiotic treatment comprise:
- training and certification (until 30 November) of bee farmers in the affected area plus the SBA Diseases Convener (however I'm only authorised to treat my own hives and do not propose to do so)
- prescription by the SAC vet following adequate recording of the location and number of hives to be treated
- paperwork (from the SAC vet) which includes an explanation of the implications of the cascade system used to authorise the use of this brand of oxytetracycline for EFB control
- recording (by the beekeeper) of acquisition the antibiotic, its administration to bees and its disposal
- return of unused oxytetracycline to the SAC vet by the end of October.
An assurance was given that this does not set a precedent and that from 2010 there would be a return to the FERA model of inspection and treatment for foulbrood disease. The lack of a mechanism for hobby beekeepers reflects the realisation that, so far, EFB appears to be primarily a disease of commercial beekeepers rather than hobby beekeepers in the affected area.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener, 13 September 2009
Further Spread of Foulbroods
In a meeting on Wednesday involving the SBA, BFA, SGRPID, SASA and SAC in Edinburgh, we learned of the relentless increase in total colonies affected and the spread beyond the previously known sites. By Monday morning 1,955 colonies had been inspected. New totals of apiaries screened were:
- 132 apiaries inspected
- 26 with confirmed EFB
- 9 with confirmed AFB
However, in the last two days there were 4 additional AFB cases confirmed around 15 miles to the east and a similar distance to the west of Inverness, considerably expanding the known affected area. At a local meeting in Dundee immediately afterwards, we learned that 5 colonies in one apiary in Glen Prosen were all found to have all the symptoms of infection with AFB.
These AFB finds are particularly devastating for the beekeepers involved, as destruction is the only option.
The means of obtaining and applying oxytetracycline were discussed, and the urgency of the matter reinforced as bees begin their return from the heather in a couple of weeks, which is a suitable time for such treatment. An economic review of the impact of the outbreak on beekeeping in Scotland had been prepared, and the bee farmers present offered to meet separately to revise the figures in the document. The Scottish Government staff present were reminded once again that decisive action now will help reduce problems and associated costs in the coming years.
Although one commercial operation in Perthshire is still to have a proportion of its apiaries inspected, the inspection effort is now switching to the hobby sector.
Beekeepers are reminded that ………..
- treatment of EFB must not be undertaken unless by trained and authorised persons
- treatment is only a possible option for some EFB cases and contacts and with the agreement of an Inspector. It is never an option for AFB cases.
- the first and most important course of action on suspicion of either of the foulbroods is to report to the Inspectorate.
- colonies must not be destroyed on suspicion without informing the inspectorate first so that sampling can be done to effect a diagnosis. This is critical to ensure that contacts can be followed up.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 20 August 09
Meetings on the Foulbrood Outbreak
There are four local beekeeping associations holding special meetings on the foulbrood outbreak in the next few weeks. In Dundee, non-members will be made most welcome and I would think that applies to the other meetings too. Do spread the word. We would like as many beekeepers as possible to know more about the two foulbroods.
- Glasgow & District BKA: 9 August 14:00-17:00, Partick Burgh Halls, Room 1, Burgh Hall Street Glasgow G11 5LN Contact - Peter Stromberg - 01505-613830. Click HERE for location map.
- Fortingall BKA: 18 August 19:30 onwards, Camserney Village Hall, near Aberfeldy. Contact - Jo Pendleton - 01796-481362. Click HERE for location map.
- East of Scotland BKA: 19 August 19:30 onwards, Friends Meeting Room, 7 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee DD1 4AR Contact - Helen Kinnes - 01382-477762. Click HERE for location map.
- Dunblane and Stirling BKA: 30 August 14:00-16:00, Dunblane Cathedral Halls, FK15 0AQ Contact - Peter Hunt - 01877-382594. Click HERE for location map.
Graeme Sharpe is preparing to run a series of events through the winter and these will be announced at a later date.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 8 August 09
Additional Detail on the Current Status of the Outbreak
Here are some more details on the current state of the outbreak as confirmed by SG this afternoon.
- 98 apiaries inspected as of 5 August
- 18 of them have confirmed EFB
- 8 apiaries have confirmed AFB, 6 in Perthshire (two of these also have EFB), and two near Inverness (AFB only)
... although these figures have already risen today.
The inspectorate now has someone looking at the area around the Inverness apiaries.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 6 August 09
The Role of Varroa and other Stresses
It is clear that the foulbrood diseases are exacerbated by stress that the colony is experiencing. Such stress may help infections get established, even though EFB alone is sufficient to create a spreading epidemic. Even without the threat of EFB and AFB in the area, Varroa control is itself an issue for beekeepers across Scotland.
This is a good time to get to grips with Varroa control in any hives not being used for heather honey production. There are a variety of thymol-based approaches in use by beekeepers, but we can only recommend the approved treatment, Apiguard. Successful treatment with Apiguard requires several weeks of reasonable temperatures and so may not be useful on a return from the heather but is a good treatment now for colonies out of production. Alternatives which may be available to some beekeepers and may be useful at this time of year are Apivar (amitraz) and Mite-Away (a formic acid pad treatment). Some beekeepers may still get reasonable control with the pyrethroid strips Apistan and Bayvarol, but beekeepers should be aware that the foulbrood outbreak appears to have been accelerated by high mite loads in colonies treated with pyrethroids. It seems that resistance to these pyrethroids will be widespread. Some beekeepers report a reduction in Varroa numbers after repeatedly coating every frame of bees in dry powdered sugar. Varroa control in the depths of winter is accomplished with oxalic acid. Although there are sublimation and trickle methods, the latter is much safer for the beekeeper. However these treatments are not appropriate for this time of year when appreciable quantities of brood are present. There is a good review of Varroa control methods here:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gandboss/BeeginnersFAQ/Problems/control-of-varroa-guide.pdf
Maximising the health status of colonies for the winter may help them shrug off light exposure to these diseases. It is also good practice and results in better winter survival. The ways to achieve this include:
- good Varroa control
- adequate autumn feeding
- uniting weak colonies, keeping the best queens, and, possibly
- feeding one of the hive stimulant mixes on offer by the beekeeping suppliers.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 5 August 09
AFB is Widespread: Plans are Being Made for a Strategy
At a meeting in Edinburgh today, Scottish Government officials revealed that AFB infection is more widespread than previously realised. In addition to the Inverness case, AFB has been found in the Carse of Gowrie, near Perth, and at several places in the area N of Perth from Amulree to Pitlochry to Blairgowrie. At least 39 colonies have been infected. EFB is now confirmed from S Aberdeenshire to Fife, with the worst affected colonies and the highest frequency of cases in central Perthshire. There was said to be a map available online, but it does not appear to have been published at the time of writing.
There was good news in that a brief search across other areas of Scotland in the last couple of days had not uncovered additional infection outside the areas mentioned above. In addition the suspect frames from Dunblane and Stirling had not been found to be positive in lab tests, although this cannot be taken as proof that there is none there. We will investigate further and inspect carefully in spring if none is found at the next visit.
There was agreement amongst those attending that the inspectors would continue to survey colonies, that all AFB and any serious EFB cases would be destroyed, and that beekeepers with contact colonies in affected apiaries would be offered antibiotic treatment to help colonies survive the winter. All comb in such apiaries should be destroyed in a shook swarming procedure in the spring.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 5 August 09
AFB Near Inverness
One of our members near Inverness has reported a likely case of AFB. The symptoms were such that the inspector and the beekeeper agreed that the infection was AFB and the colonies have now been destroyed. The beekeeper has had the bees for several years and there is no obvious reason to explain why these bees were infected. In other words, there is a possibility of additional infected stocks in the area. The disease is one that is seen in sealed cells, identified by opening up the cappings of suspicious cells with the corner of a hive tool. The FERA leaflet on foulbrood diseases (see link to the right) gives further details. As with EFB, suspicions of this disease must be notified to an office of SGRPID.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 3 August 09
AFB Adds to Beekeepers' Woes
Today the Scottish Government informed the beekeeping organisations of a discovery of American Foulbrood in Perthshire. Their Press Release on the topic has been circulated to news media. Four hives in three apiaries have been confirmed as having AFB. We understand that the Perthshire beekeeper involved was visited only recently by the inspectors who were visiting additional beekeepers in the area during their search for EFB.
AFB is also a notifiable disease, affecting sealed brood and leaving collapsing larvae mucous-like and able to be drawn out in the matchstick test. It is generally regarded as less contagious than EFB but as the causative bacterium forms resistant spores, destruction of the colony is an inevitable consequence of confirmation of AFB.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 30 July 09
Test kits for EFB
Vita market a Lateral Flow Device to test for the presence of EFB. The recommendation of the SBA is not to use these tests, and simply to call the inspectors if you have suspicions of EFB in your hives. The Lateral Flow Device is an antibody-based test which should detect the bacterium causing the disease. There are reasons to suspect that the test cannot be relied upon without additional information on its use. Furthermore, reporting suspect symptoms of notifiable disease to the authorities is a legal requirement and visual (and sometimes olfactory) symptoms are sufficient to trigger that suspicion.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 28 July 09
EFB Shadow Widens
There are suspect colonies just N of Dunblane, at the local association apiary near Bridge of Allan, in NE Fife and along the Angus coast. The members of the Dunblane and Stirling association with email addresses have now received a note from their president spreading the unwelcome news. Magnus was, apparently, also the first to discover Varroa in their area. The suspect frames are now in the hands of the the bee inspectors for confirmation. A small group of around 8 members witnessed the discovery in the association apiary of the one suspect cell from three frames of brood inspected, and can now go out and spread the word on both finding early stages of the disease and appropriate apiary hygiene measures. The 26 members attending an indoor meeting a short while earlier took part in a broad discussion on the outbreak, the disease, spotting early signs, reporting suspicions, and the possible routes ahead. If any other associations have an opportunity for similar events I would be very glad to contribute.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener - 27 July 09
Scottish Government Statement
This morning the Scottish Government issued a statement on the EFB outbreak. It can be seen here or via the link on the right.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener, 22nd July 09
SBA Advice for the Heather Season
The latest news on the outbreak and advice on any further movement of colonies for the heather season can be seen using this link or the link on the right.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener, 21st July 09
Procedures During an Outbreak of EFB
Many beekeepers are now curious about the procedures taking place as cases of EFB are suspected, confirmed and dealt with in some way. The Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) have laid out a detailed set of 'Guidance Notes for Bee Diseases and Pest Control (Scotland) Order 2007'. These notes were published on their web site last year and can be accessed here or using the link on the right. The general responsibilities and plans for action are outlined in some detail. Perhaps of particular interest, Annex 7 outlines the actions expected from all parties but in particular the bee inspectors when cases of EFB are suspected, confirmed and under treatment or destruction. The operation of Standstill Notices, the licenced movement of apiaries following treatment or the destruction of infected colonies, procedures for 'contact' colonies and details of treatment protocols are all presented in the document.
Submitted by the Diseases Convener 20 July 09
Tayside EFB - Something New or Not?
If a week is a long time in politics, it can be an age in an unravelling bee health scare! Most experienced beekeepers regard EFB as a disease of unsealed brood, however the experts at the National Bee Unit at FERA near York have a lot of experience of EFB and have said that they do not consider this outbreak to be a new type of the disease. The symptoms seen appear regularly in England and Wales and they regard Tayside combs they have seen as being normal EFB. The traditional description that many beekeepers have learned suggests that EFB is a disease of unsealed brood, however it seems that the bees can quite effectively clean out infected larvae in open cells and the loose scales that follow, leaving most of the evidence of infection inside sealed cells. When colonies are heavily infected, the symptoms become more obvious, perhaps as the colony weakens. Finding those early infections has to be a priority as treatment of such colonies rather than destruction is more likely to be the best option.
It is also claimed that the Lateral Flow Devices used for on the spot diagnosis do work for this Tayside material, but that it is not straightforward to get them to work well. If anyone does find suspect symptoms it is better to call in the experts rather than use these kits yourself.
Sadly, it seems that many of us north of the border will now have to become more acquainted with EFB symptoms. Clearly, lessons need to be learned from this outbreak. It is also clear that education is crucial, and the SBA will be discussing how best to spread knowledge of this disease.
An updated report is now available via this link and at the link at the side of the page, and we encourage beekeepers to pass this version on to colleagues. The pictures in the report do give a good idea of cells to open up for inspection.
FERA have prepared an excellent guide to the foulbrood diseases which includes pictures of relatively advanced infection, calendars of action in EFB areas, suggestions for beekeepers who work more than one apiary in a high risk area, tips for integrated pest management and more.
You can download the leaflet from the following link, or using the link on the right:https://secure.csl.gov.uk/beebase/pdfs/fbleaflet.pdf
Lastly, can I suggest that any local association between the Lothians and Aberdeenshire which is planning any kind of beekeeping event this summer and early autumn let me know and if at all possible I will come along, share knowledge of the outbreak, answer questions and give tips for spotting EFB.
Submitted by Diseases Convener, 17th July 09
Update on Widespread Outbreak of New Form of EFB
The Tayside outbreak of EFB appears to be the biggest bee health issue to affect beekeeping in Scotland in recent years. At the time of writing 85 colonies have been destroyed and as the bee inspectors are broadening their search the area with confirmed EFB and the numbers of beekeepers and colonies affected seems likely to grow. The Scottish Government have indicated that they will release information on this outbreak on their own website in the next few days. The outbreak appears to be well-established in Eastern Scotland, due largely to the difficulty in diagnosing this new form of EFB. The guidance from the CSL leaflet suggested below is not appropriate for this type of EFB. Thanks to the openness of the first beekeeper to contact the Scottish Government bee inspectors, we can now offer a guide to this new form of EFB and a description of the current situation. If anyone wishes to receive printed copies of this report, please let Gavin Ramsay know.
Submitted by Diseases Convener, 15th July 09
European Foulbrood (EFB) Outbreak in Scotland
An outbreak of European Foulbrood has been confirmed in the apiary of a commercial beekeeper in Perthshire. This is a timely reminder for all Scottish beekeepers to be vigilant for disease and to report any symptoms which could indicate either of the foulbrood diseases, both of them notifiable diseases. Although foulbrood diseases are rare in Scotland they do occur occasionally. The movement of bee stocks into the UK from abroad and across the UK increases that risk. As bees are being sold to aspiring beekeepers across Scotland, and some commercial beekeepers import and trade themselves, foulbrood disease and other problems such as Varroa resistant to pyrethroids could appear anywhere in Scotland. Useful descriptions of the foulbrood diseases can be found here:
https://secure.csl.gov.uk/beebase/public/BeeDiseases/indexDiseases.cfm
Anyone suspecting the discovery of any notifiable disease (European Foulbrood, American Foulbrood, Tropilaelaps mite or Small Hive Beetle) is under an obligation to report it to their local SGRPID office: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/AOcontacts/contacts
or look under 'Scottish Government' in the local phone directory. Members of the SBA may be eligible for compensation through the insurance scheme if destruction of colonies is advised. The Bee Diseases Convenor (see contact details higher up this page) can offer members further advice. The SBA appreciate the consultation by the SGRPID on this outbreak, and acted to ensure that the seven local Beekeeping Secretaries in E Scotland closest to the outbreak were informed immediately.
Submitted by Diseases Convener, 10th July 09
Bee Diseases Convener
The Bee diseases Convener for the SBA is:
Gavin Ramsay, Parkview, Station Road, Errol, Perth, PH2 7SN, Tel. 01821 642385 or 07751 142155 gavinramsay'at'btinternet.com
The Convener plays a vital role in coordinating and advising on an appropriate response and treatment in the event of disease outbreaks, and has a particularly important part to play as Varroa is now established in Scotland. If disease is suspected or discovered in members' colonies, Gavin can help advise on the appropriate course of action and put beekeepers in touch with the relevant officers from SGRPID (the Scottish Government Inspectorate).
Beekeepers will also find detailed information and downloads about bee diseases in the beekeeping section of the Central Science Laboratory (CSL), but please bear in mind that the new EFB outbreak is of a type not covered in the current CSL/FERA documents. Please use the link on the right - note that this link will take you OUT of the SBA Web Site.
Varroa in Scotland
It is true that Varroa has now spread throughout much of Scotland, but there are still some areas that are Varroa free, particularly in the northwest highlands and some of the offshore islands. If you are a new or existing beekeeper intending to move hives to another part of the country, or to start keeping bees, do please give very careful consideration to where you source your bees. Please consult with local beekeepers before bringing hives into an area that may still be Varroa free. If necessary, they will help you to source Varroa-free colonies from within their area rather than bringing infested hives in, and hastening the spread of the mite.