EMBA
Bee Diseases

Note: All Beekeepers have a responsibility to ensure that their bees are healthy and that they are not spreading infection through their beekeeping practices. Beekeepers should be familiar with the signs and causes of bee diseases and be prepared to take immediate action where disease is suspected. The EMBA, just as other Local Associations, has a distinct role in honeybee colony health managment and should be contacted and kept informed of all disease incidence.

Need help with diseases?

Contact the EMBA Secretary

england England

wales Wales

northern ireland Northern Ireland

republic of ireland Republic of Ireland

  
scotland Inspections in Scotland

Bee inspections are carried out by Bee Inspectors, who are part of the Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (RPID). Principally inspectors are looking for notifiable pests or diseases which are currently:

  • American Foul Brood (AFB)
  • European Foul Brood (EFB)
  • Tropilaelaps
  • Small Hive Beetle (SHB)

If you suspect of any of these diseases contact your nearest Bee Inspector

Scottish Government Bee Inspectors Website Link

Download the Scottish Government Honeybee Health Strategy (2010)

Download the SGRPID Guidance for Bee Diseases and Pests Control 348kb

Send samples of hive debris or hive inserts for diagnosis to SASA Roddinglaw

Latest on Bee Diseases in Scotland SBA Diseases Convener Reports

The diseases, their life cycles, effects on hive colonies, their management

Disease Control Products - A Practical Guide Additional Disease Control Documents Health and Safety

Some useful guidelines on the risks involved in beekeeping and how to minimise those risks to an acceptable level
EC Legislation

Council Directive 92/65/EEC applies to bees by setting health certification requirements for international trade both within and into the European Community. The Directive lists American foul brood, Aethina tumida (the small hive beetle), and the Tropilaelaps mite as notifiable diseases of bees within the Community, and also recognises national programs for monitoring European foul brood, Varroosis, and Acariasis. Commission Decision 2003/881/EC establishes rules on the importation of bees from third countries.

UK Legislation

Domestic legislation is implemented under the following:
  • The Bees Act 1980, which empowers Ministers to make Orders to control diseases and pests affecting bees, and provides powers of entry for authorised persons. Such Orders are implemented separately by Government Departments in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  • The Bee Diseases Control Order 2007, S.S.I.506. Places duties on beekeepers who suspect disease to notify authorities quickly and restricts movement of bees, hives equipment etc.

  • The Importation of Bees Order 1980. Prohibits importation of bees but makes provision for import of queens and attendants from varroa free countries under licence.

If you can't find the information you need here, try the forum


Webmaster for EMBA : Iain Dewar
Phone : 01506859451