Bees hit by worst disease outbreak in a decade

Bee colonies are suffering from the worst outbreak of a killer disease in a decade.

American foulbrood (AFB) has been found in more than 30 colonies in north-east England, according to the National Bee Unit (NBU).

AFB is caused by bacteria that infect young bee larvae, which then spreads through the hive leading to the death of the colony.

John Canning, from the Cleveland Beekeepers Association, said once AFB is discovered the "only solution is to burn the colony".

In June, 30 colonies infected with American foulbrood were found in a 10km (six-mile) square area near Guisborough, according to the National Bee Unit, which is part of the government's Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Another infected colony was found near Redcar this month.

The Guisborough outbreak is the biggest in the UK since 2014, when 33 colonies were found to be infected in Norfolk.

Mr Canning said he believed the Guisborough outbreak had affected two apiaries, which contain multiple hives.

There are two types of foulbrood disease.

European foulbrood is more common in the UK, but Mr Canning said infected colonies could sometimes be saved if treated.

However, American foulbrood is a death sentence for any colony.

"AFB actually has spores in it like anthrax that can live for 30 years or so," said Mr Canning.

"If you try and reuse the equipment it can come back."

Once a colony infected with AFB is discovered, beekeepers are required to notify the NBU.

The NBU said the disease was first introduced in the UK in the 1940s but its policy of "compulsory destruction of infected colonies" had brought the number of cases down from several thousand per year to less than 100.

However, its advice warns the spores from AFB can survive in honey for decades.

"One of the things people shouldn't do is feed honey to bees, as it might have the spores of American foulbrood in it," said Mr Canning.

He added the discovery of the outbreak was "worrying" but should mean the situation is under control.

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