'Serious threat' from bee disease (BBC disease spreads elsewhere)

BBC ^ | July 31, 2009 | UNKNOWN

[combat_boots]

Beekeepers in Scotland have warned of a serious threat to the industry after a deadly disease was discovered.

At least four hives and three apiaries in Perthshire have been found to be infected with American Foulbrood (AFB).

The honeybee disease was discovered while investigating cases of European Foulbrood (EFB) in the area.

Colonies infected with EFB can be saved if the case is not serious. However, those with AFB cannot be treated with antibiotics and have to be destroyed.

Foulbrood is caused by a bacterium which gets inside bee larvae and uses up their food supply, starving them to death.

EFB was discovered in Perthshire and Angus last month.

[combat_boots]

I have been asking, "Where are the bees?" all spring and summer. I just don't see many. Even around hummingbird feeders.

So, I am looking for news on the topic. We know that there has been a disease, American Foulbrood, in honey bee colonies. I wasn't aware how widespread it is becoming. There is a European Foulbrood strain, too.

Here's a link from S. Africa:

"Fears that contagious bee disease has spread"

July 29 2009

By Craig McKune

"The contagious bee disease American Foulbrood (AFB) has now surfaced beyond the so called "capensis line", raising fears it could have spread from Cape honey bees to the African honey bee."

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_South%20Africa&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20090729033536669C380058

IIRC, scientists may have found the cause. But I am seeing nothing about a cure. The hives have to be burned.

[combat_boots]

I see I have put no dash between BBC and disease. While part of me likes that idea, I send my apologies to the forum for the oversight.

Boots