AFB: How far is safe?

[Derek Uchman]

I was thinking of taking my bees up to the heather at Memus. However, AFB has been discovered at Meigle, which is 14 miles away (by road!). Would I be be daft going ahead? Or is it a case of "better safe than sorry"?

[gavin]

Hi Derek

Bees can fly (and rob) more than five miles but 14 is pushing it. In any case, AFB is spread more often by beekeeper than bee I think. However the risk to your bees will not be the case in the Meigle area which will have been destroyed, but the other cases of AFB which have not been discovered. These could be anywhere.

If you think Monifieth is safe, just try the AFB 2009 map on BeeBase:

https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/maps/map.cfm

Best get them outta there into safer territory elsewhere ;-)

Seriously, there is always a risk moving bees. But the risks will be low and the rewards of a heather crop high. Go for it!

G.

[Derek Uchman]

Excellent news, Gavin. I had heard a few differing opinions, but your advice has tipped it in favour of me going. Thank you. I'd had my heart set on taking them up the glens and was gutted when I heard about the Meigle thing. I'm relieved I can still make it