I thought it might be interesting to share the message (below) which was
sent recently to all members of my local BBKA branch.
The email is alerting members to an outbreak of European Foul Brood at our
branch's own training apiary - a substantial operation containing many
colonies.
This alert follows a similar recent EFB outbreak at the BBKA headquarters
at Stoneleigh, which is also in our local area.
Despite these outbreaks both occurring in two of the most intensively
managed, conventional apiaries in the UK, we were nevertheless advised to
be vigilant because of the risk arising from "feral and neglected
colonies".
Go figure...
Mick
"I am sorry to have to share the news that we have had a case of European
Foulbrood (EFB) in the Branch Apiary in the last week. The Apiary Team
acted swiftly and placed a voluntary standstill on the apiary. As soon as
the case was confirmed by the Bee Inspector two colonies were destroyed,
and all the other colonies will be shook swarmed under her supervision. The
BDI insurance we all have as members will cover the cost of replacing the
equipment and all the frames for shook swarms.
We want to bring this to everyone’s attention because now is a very good
time to do a full disease inspection, shaking the bees of each comb and
inspecting every cell to check the larvae look normal and there are no
scales. The Apiary Team member who spotted the EFB identified a very few
affected cells and, in doing so, prevented more widespread losses. We are
all vulnerable this year because we cannot know what feral/neglected
colonies may be around us, or prevent those bees entering our hives. We
must be vigilant in terms of inspections and hygiene."
