3.9 - Pests and Diseases - Statutory Requirements

Question 1

Beekeeper’s responsibilities:

Follow
Recognise
Inspect
Report
New
Hygiene
Varroa control
Insurance

Answer 1

1 Follow advice of Bee Inspector
2 Learn to recognise diseases and pests
3 Regularly examine colonies (at least Autumn and Spring)
4 Report suspected foulbrood immediately to local Bee Inspector or NBU
6 Put bees on new comb or foundation after EFB infection
7 Follow hygiene guidelines
8 Keep varroa and other diseases under control, healthy hives have best chance of surviving EFB
8 Be insured

Question 2

If AFB/EFB is suspected/diagnosed - law involved and main actions 8

Answer 2

Notifiable disease under Bee Diseases & Pests Control Order (England) 2006
Notify The Animal and Plant Agency’s National Bee Unit if suspicious and follow their instructions precisely.
Place apiary and kit under self-imposed standstill
Bee inspector will:
Inspect visually
Use lateral flow device
Later confirm test in laboratory
Diagnosis -> Standstill order confirmed by RBI until lifted in writing by RBI
AFB: Colony destruction by RBI
EFB: Colony destruction/antibiotics/shook swarm at discretion of RBI
Beekeeper MAY NOT administer antibiotics