European Foulbrood (EFB) has been found in South Lancashire,in the Formby area . Doug Jones, Seasonal Bee Inspector will be conducting a five km diameter search of known beekeepers in the area. If you know of anyone at all who is not registered with the association, it is vital that you let Doug or the LBKA know of them. Otherwise the EFB will continue to spread.
Where American foulbrood (AFB) affects one hive, EFB will affect the whole apiary and it is very important that beekeepers close to the Formby area, read up on the disease and look carefully through their bees now, before they bed down for the winter. If you are unsure and need advice, then contact any of our Bee Inspectors:
- Ian Molyneux, Northern Regional Bee Inspector, 01204 381186 ian.molyneux@fera.gsi.gov.uk
- Doug Jones, Seasonal Bee Inspector, 0151 342 7062 or 07775 119444
- John Zamorski, Seasonal Bee Inspector, 01200 427661 or 07775 119446
We have been lucky in being free of most brood diseases as they tended to stay in the south of the country, but, with the increased interest in bees, nuclei have come from all over the country and we now need to ensure that any disease is contained now, otherwise many will find dead colonies next spring.