An outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB), a highly contagious and hardy disease affecting colonies of honeybees, has been found in an apiary in the Stranraer area of Scotland.

The disease was confirmed on Monday following laboratory diagnosis by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA).

American Foulbrood is a notifiable disease, caused by bacteria called Paenibacillus larvae. The bacteria form spores when stressed (e.g. when there is a lack of nutrients available); it is these spores that actually cause AFB. The spores enter bee larva and destroy them. They are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals and other standard treatments, meaning that, once AFB has been detected, it is difficult to permanently eliminate the spores.  

Unlike European Foulbrood (EFB), hives with AFB cannot be treated and, in the absence of a permitted form of treatment, are destroyed. SASA said that other outbreaks of AFB have previously been reported and dealt with in the Stranraer area in recent years.

The Scottish Government confirmed that the AFB infected hive identified on Monday had been destroyed and the apiary placed under strict controls. Officials said that there are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of honey.

Bee farmers and beekeepers are being urged to be vigilant for signs of the disease, to maintain good husbandry practices and to notify any suspicion of disease to BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

In order to assist Scottish Government Bee Inspectors to control this and other diseases, beekeepers are urged to register on BeeBase, the national bee database. This will give them access to up-to-date information on the control of AFB and bee related issues.

Beekeepers in the area of this outbreak who are not on BeeBase are requested to register at: https://secure.csl.gov.uk/beebase/ or send their contact details to: BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk