Beekeepers ensure that their bees have sufficient balanced forage, a suitable hive in a safe site, and are not exposed to stress, pests and diseases.
The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) has spread across most parts of the UK since its accidental introduction in 1992, spreading viruses such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV). The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) that has spread quickly across western Europe will undoubtedly threaten our bees very soon.
Beekeepers must learn how to keep risks to bee health to a minimum, how to recognise health issues, and what to do about them.
We are fortunate in having the National Bee Unit (NBU) as a central source of current advice.
National Bee Unit – BeeBase
If you are a beekeeper with bees in England, Scotland and Wales you are strongly recommended to sign up to BeeBase.
Operated and managed by the National Bee Unit, it is confidential and secure, and gives you up-to-date information about bee diseases and pests. If disease is detected in your area, you will be notified very quickly and a fully qualified Bee-inspector will visit your apiary with you to perform a check for signs of disease or pests – free of charge – giving you peace of mind.
If you have not yet registered, please visit the Beebase registration website
National Bee Unit – Brochures
Advisory leaflets, training manuals & fact sheets are available from the NBU for Varroa, Foulbrood and SHB – please visit the National Bee Unit website. In particular, please familiarise yourself with the common brood diseases shown in the back of the foulbrood brochure.
National Bee Unit – Southern Region – Bee Inspectors
Each Regional Bee Inspector (RBI) manages a team of Seasonal Bee Inspectors (SBIs) working from April to September.
Every Bee Inspector is an experienced practical beekeeper, specialising in recognition and control of bee pests and diseases. You must contact your Seasonal Bee Inspector without delay if any of the notifiable diseases (European Foul Brood, American Foul Brood) or pests (Small Hive Beetle, Tropilaelaps) are suspected.
The Regional Bee Inspector for Central England (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Rutland) is Dan Etheridge.
Current contact details can be found on the BeeBase contacts page where, during the active season, you will find a postcode search to locate your nearest Bee Inspector.
Contact details for each active season (spring to late summer) will be issued afresh in spring on that year.