Three samples of bees sent to Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) for analysis have tested positive for Nosema ceranae. This is the first time the disease has been confirmed in Scotland.
Date:
Mon, 26 Sep 2011
Source:
Scottish Government
Scottish Government:
Website
This disease appears to be widespread in Europe, with many cases recorded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The cases identified are from three regions of Scotland, indicating that the disease is not confined to one area.
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidial disease of honeybees which may cause dwindling of the bee colony.
Several treatments are available and should be used in conjunction with good husbandry practices (such as frame replacement and sterilisation) to prevent the build-up of Nosema spores within the colony.
Further information on the symptoms and treatment of this disease are available on the National Bee Unit's BeeBase website.
There are no risks to public health from Nosema ceranae and no implications for the quality and safety of honey.
A 2007 survey by the National Bee Unit (NBU) identified Nosema ceranae in six counties of England and three in Wales. A further report by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) laboratory in 2010 identified Nosema ceranae infections in hives from three counties in Northern Ireland.
Although Nosema is serious disease it is not a notifiable disease under The Bee Diseases and Pests Control (Scotland) Order 2007.