Scotland beekeepers warned after first case of bee disease AFB confirmed this year

The outbreak was identified in a single hive in Kincardineshire after the beekeeper detected signs of infection. The disease was confirmed by the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) on June 4.

American Foulbrood is a notifiable disease under Scottish law and is regarded as one of the most serious threats to honeybee health. The disease is caused by bacteria that infect young bee larvae, which then spreads through the hive. There is no treatment available, and infected colonies must be dealt with under strict disease-control procedures.

Authorities will alert beekeepers within a three-kilometre radius of the affected apiary through the BeeBase monitoring system and have advised those in the area to increase vigilance and review their biosecurity practices.

Sheila Voas, Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said the discovery served as “a timely reminder” of the importance of monitoring colonies for signs of disease.

“There are no risks to public health and no implications for the quality and safety of Scottish honey,” she said.

Restrictions have been placed on the movement of bees and related equipment into and out of the affected apiary. The measures, overseen by Scottish Government Bee Inspectors, include enhanced biosecurity requirements and increased surveillance of neighbouring colonies.

Beekeepers have been urged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of AFB and to report any suspected cases to the Scottish Government’s Honey Bee Health Team. They have also been encouraged beekeepers to register with BeeBase to receive notifications of disease outbreaks in their area.

Scotland recorded eight honeybee colonies infected with American Foulbrood in 2025, all within a single apiary. Historical disease trends are published through BeeBase.