Beekeeping News

Beekeeper doing an inspection, Clitheroe. Chris Wood

European Foul Brood found in Ribble Valley

In early May, European Foul Brood (EFB) was discovered in an apiary in the Clitheroe area of the Ribble Valley (SD74). This is the first known case in East Lancashire Maps » APHA - National Bee Unit - BeeBase 

As a local association, we are liaising closely with the Seasonal Bee Inspector, who is contacting and working with the beekeepers within 3km of the affected apiary who have registered on BeeBase. The Seasonal Bee Inspector is there to support and advise, so if you have concerns about the health of your colonies, please do ask for help. Mobile: 07484 426445 or Email: Amy.Turner@apha.gov.uk 

ELBKA Members have received an email briefing from our Association, and this has also been shared with the wider membership across Lancashire, but we are keen that any non-members are also aware of the risks of EFB and the potential for its spread into previously non-infected areas so have included this notice on our website.

The National Bee Unit has detailed information on all aspects of pests and diseases, and you should refer to Foulbrood » APHA - National Bee Unit - BeeBase for images and instructions.

Here are some summary points we have compiled in response to the emerging information. 

• If you find a swarm in the affected area (SD74) then notify dave.heaton@lancashirebeekeepers.org.uk. A swarm must not relocated outside of the area of infection. There are protocols to follow and Dave (our Chair) is liaising with local registered swarm collectors and the Seasonal Bee Inspector on behalf of ELBKA.

• If you are aware of untended or wild colonies in the area, particularly in SD74, please notify the Seasonal Bee Inspector as above. Previous outbreaks have been linked to abandoned or neglected hives. 

• Make sure that your apiaries are recorded on BeeBase so that you can be notified if cases are found within 3km of your apiary location.

• Make sure that you do (and re-do) a disease check and report any suspicions of EFB (or other reportable finding) to the Seasonal Bee Inspector. The signs of EFB can be subtle and as most of us have not seen the disease in real life, there is no shame in asking for help to be sure our bees are safe. Early detection can save your bees. 

• Make sure that you have appropriate Bee Diseases Insurance (BDI) in place through your BBKA membership. Check that the correct number of colonies are covered and read the policy terms, particularly regarding shared apiary arrangements.