Scotland’s Honey Bee Health Strategy: implementation plan
Details of the actions which the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) will deliver in order to achieve the desired outcomes for honey bee health in Scotland.
Pillar 4 - research and development
The BHIP will ensure that decisions, bee health policy, disease prevention and control strategies are underpinned by sound science and evidence. The BHIP will identify areas requiring further research and development, working in partnership with the scientific and beekeeping community and to commission/recommend research which could make a positive impact on bee health in Scotland.
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Action (SMART) |
Owner/lead |
Priority |
Progress/achievements |
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4.1: Use PCR test to conduct a nation-wide survey to identify the prevalence of subclinical EFB across Scottish apiaries. Produce report for publication. The results of which will inform the future disease control strategy to managing the disease.
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SASA SG-Delivery SG-Policy SBA |
Medium-term
(Survey: summer 2024. Analysis of samples and results: winter 2024/2025)
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Sample receipt has closed for the survey and the final samples will complete processing by late November 2024. In total, approximately 103 beekeepers out of 150 who originally agreed to take part sent in samples for analysis, which is a 69% return rate. 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. |
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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. |
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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)
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SG colleagues are working with SRUC to develop a second draft of the report. |
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4.4: To analyse a minimum of one sample from every foulbrood positive apiary for strain type. |
SASA SG-Delivery |
Longer-term
|
Strain typing complete on samples from all foulbrood positive apiaries from 2024 inspection season and results to be shared in the 2024 BHIP Annual Report. |
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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.
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SASA SG-Delivery |
Longer-term
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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. No PCR testing in 2025 unless in exceptional circumstances and where there is a business case. |
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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. |
Contact
Email: Bees_mailbox@gov.scot
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