This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Varroa bee parasite
28/11/2003
The Statutory Infected Area for varroa has been extended to include the whole of Scotland following the discovery of the mite on the Islands of Luing and Islay.
SEERAD announced the extension following the voluntary search undertaken this autumn into the spread of varroa confirmed that it had also become established in the north of Scotland. This area was previously considered by beekeepers themselves to be clean of varroa, although part of the Statutory Infected Area (SIA).
Varroa is a statutory notifiable parasitic infestation of honey bees and heavy infestation can lead to colony collapse. It is a notifiable disease and beekeepers throughout Scotland should inspect their hives for the presence of the mite and should, on suspicion of presence, report it to SEERAD area offices.
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 Craig's, and EDINBURGH, EH12 8NJ.