A highly-infectious disease, American Foulbrood, which destroys the larva of honeybee, has been found in Perthshire, Scotland. The disease was confirmed by laboratory tests, which were carried out by the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA). The first outbreak of the disease was reported in July 2009 in west Lothian and then in Stranraer in February 2010.

The SASA has revealed that the infected hive at the apiary Ballinluig has been destroyed to prevent further infection. The movement of bees and related equipments has been restricted. The Scottish Government bee inspectors will be visiting the apiaries in the area in the coming days. The government has confirmed that there is no risk to public health from the disease.

The authorities have confirmed that the infection did not have any impact on the quality and safety of honey.

The disease is considered as untreatable as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK. The government has appealed the beekeepers to closely monitor their hives and inform BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, if there is any suspicious case. Beekeepers have also been asked to register on the national bee database, BeeBase.