Honeybee hives to be destroyed after contagious infection discovered
American foulbrood disease cannot be contained by any other method
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two honeybee hives are to be destroyed after they were discovered to have a highly contagious infection.
The hives, near Blairgowrie in Perth and Kinross, were infected with American foulbrood (AFB), which kills bee larvae and is difficult to eradicate.
Unlike the European foulbrood, there is no way to contain AFB other than destroying infected hives.
The infections were found by two Scottish government bee inspectors.
The hives belong to a commercial bee keeper who also had AFB in other hives around Blairgowrie and Pitlochry in 2019.
The disease was confirmed on Wednesday following laboratory diagnosis by the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture.
Sheila Voas, the chief veterinary officer for Scotland, said: “The repeated finding of AFB near Blairgowrie is disappointing and emphasises the important work of the Scottish Government bee health team.
“It is a timely reminder that beekeepers should remain vigilant for signs of the disease at all times.
“As per EU law, the infected hives will now be destroyed.
“The movement of bees and related equipment into or out of the affected apiary is also now prohibited.
“I would reiterate that while this is disappointing, there are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of Scottish honey.”
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments