This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Autumn search for honey bee mite
05/09/2003
The Executive's Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) has launched a voluntary search for the prevalence of Varroa, a parasitic mite which infests honey bee colonies.
During September and October beekeepers are being encouraged to co-operate with SEERAD's authorised Bee Officers in the search.
This year's search will concentrate on areas within the Highlands, Grampian, Argyll, the Scottish Borders, Ayrshire and Lanarkshire all of which lie within the Statutory Infected Area (SIA).
There will also be searches carried out on the islands of Arran, Skye and Orkney which all lie outwith the SIA.
Beekeepers throughout Scotland are also encouraged to inspect their hives for the presence of the mite, as heavy infestation can lead to colony collapse.
Varroa is a notifiable disease and should, on suspicion of presence, be reported to SEERAD area offices.
The whole of mainland Scotland and the Isle of Bute is a SIA for varroa.
The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA) will examine samples of hive debris free of charge.
Samples, clearly marked "BEE DISEASES" should be addressed to: SASA, NQU Building, East Craigs, EDINBURGH, EH12 8NJ.