DIAGNOSTICS
Notifiable Pests and Diseases
SASA provides laboratory based diagnostic support to the Scottish bee inspectorate in the identification and control of the statutory bee pests and diseases American Foulbrood, European Foulbrood, Tropilaelaps mites and Small Hive Beetle. Samples submitted by Scottish bee inspectors are examined for the presence of these statutory bee pests and diseases, and if confirmed SASA provides support in the implementation of legislation and control of these diseases.
View more information about bee health in Scotland and the role of the Scottish bee inspectors.
If you think you need to contact a bee inspector, please email Bees Mailbox with your details.
View our Importing bees into Scotland page for more information on the regulations.
Other Diagnostic Services
In addition to testing for statutory pests and diseases SASA also offers the following diagnostic services to Scottish beekeepers on behalf of the Scottish Government:
- Screening samples of hive debris or hive inserts for the presence of Varroa destructor.
- Diagnostic investigation of adult bees in cases of unexplained colony loss. Samples are examined for the presence of Acarine mites, Nosema and evidence of Varroa damage. (We do not routinely test for bee viruses due to the nature of the pathogen – RNA degrade quickly after host death and therefore may not be identifiable by the time a sample reaches the laboratory)
If you require either of these services, please visit our pages below for further information.
Suspected Poisoning Incidents
Incidents of suspected poisoning of animals (including bees) by pesticides in Scotland are investigated by SASA’s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS)
BEE HEALTH SUPPORT
The Scottish Government published a Honey Bee Health Strategy in July 2010. The aim of this Strategy is to achieve a sustainable and healthy population of honey bees for pollination and honey production in Scotland by working with stakeholders with an interest in honey bees. SASA has been closely involved in the development and implementation of this ten year action plan. A new honey bee health strategy, following the results of the review and consulation, is due to be published shortly.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Register
Scottish beekeepers can now sign up to Beebase. This allows beekeepers to register their details free of charge on a secure database and allows them access to an extensive range of information on bee health, including up to date information on the distribution of bee diseases. Knowing the location of Scottish bee colonies allows us to manage bee diseases more successfully and improve the health and long term future of Scottish honey bee colonies.
Learn More
Education is a key aspect of the Honey Bee Health Strategy. Take time to familiarise yourself with aspects of good husbandry, biosecurity and the pests and disease that can affect your bees. Advisory leaflets, best practice guides and fact sheets are available on BeeBase . The Bee Health Partnership provide annual bee health workshops and evening lectures to local associations. The SRUC Bee Advisor also provides lectures and practical training on many aspects of bee health and management. Lectures and workshops are advertised locally through associations and through the SBA website.
Monitor for Signs Of Disease
Whilst beekeepers should maintain good biosecurity and keep an eye out for problems at all times, we would also recommend that you carry out at least two specific annual ‘health checks’ on your stocks to look for signs of disease. If you suspect the presence of a notifiable disease or pest in your colonies (foulbroods, small hive beetle or tropilaelaps) then please contact Bees_Mailbox@gov.scot as soon as possible.
Other Useful Information
See also the Scottish Government's Review into Options for Restocking Honey Bee Colonies in Scotland.