Scotland’s Honey Bee Health Strategy: implementation plan

Action (SMART)

Owner/lead

Priority

Progress/achievements

4.1 Conduct a nation-wide survey to establish the current distribution of EFB across Scotland. The results of which will inform the future approach to managing the disease.

SASA

SG-Delivery

SG-Policy

SBA

Medium-term (Survey: summer 2024. Analysis of samples and results: winter 2024/2025)

Sample packs were sent out to beekeepers in July 2024 and samples have begun to be returned. SASA have started processing samples, and results will be available over winter 2024/25.

In June 2024, the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity wrote an open letter to Scotland's beekeepers to encourage participation in the nation-wide survey. The letter was published on BeeBase, the SBA website, social media channels and in the June edition of the SBA magazine.  

4.2 Produce a report on the economic impact of EFB in a business and on the individual i.e. cost of control measures such as burning, shook swarm and impact on yield etc.

BFA

SBA

Medium-term (winter 2024-2025)

Report started but not complete due to a busy beekeeping season.

4.3 As part of the analysis work to inform the long-term EFB management approach and direction of the EFB Control Plan, Scottish Government to commission SRUC to undertake an analysis of the economic impact of EFB to help identify whether the control measures currently in place are sustainable.

SG-Policy

SG-Delivery

SASA 

SRUC

Medium-term (April 2025)

Initial discussions with SRUC to agree the remit and scope of the work have taken place and proposals of what is possible are being reviewed.

4.4: To analyse a minimum of one sample from every foulbrood positive apiary for strain type.

SASA

SG-Delivery

Ongoing

The BHIP Annual Report details results of the 2023 EFB strain typing which were fed back in real time to delivery colleagues to inform control and containment procedures.

4.5: Validation of PCR test from live bees to identify subclinical infection of EFB in honey bee colonies. Publish a methods-based report with statistical analysis, findings and potential applications for surveillance, diagnosis, and control strategies.

SASA 

SG-Delivery

Medium-long term

Analysis completed by BIOSS over winter 2023/24 and report shared with policy and inspectorate colleagues for comment and discussion.  

Test method has been used in a limited capacity in 2024 season on a selection of beekeepers within 3km of disease. Test results will inform whether a visual inspection is advisable, and results reports will be issued to all beekeepers with tailored hygiene and biosecurity recommendations depending on findings. 

4.6: Gathering information on what research is currently being undertaken.

SASA/SRUC

Ongoing

The BHIP Annual Report provides an update on the progress made.