In the past week, several beekeepers in the Bellinger valley have noticed a serious disease in their beehives, American Foulbrood.
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This has forced the destruction of the hives, much to the chagrin of these beekeepers.
It is never pleasant to have to destroy a bee colony; however, the NSW biosecurity act is very clear: American Foulbrood is a notifiable disease under the Act and any beekeeper who suspects the disease must notify the NSW Department of Primary Industries within 24 hours.
If the colony tests positive, the colony must be destroyed and the combs are burnt to stop its spread. Beehives must then be either destroyed in the same fire, or wrapped in plastic and prepared for irradiation to sterilise the hives.
American Foulbrood is a highly infectious disease that if allowed to progress, will result in the death of the colony, at which point it is spread to other colonies in the area.
Bellingen Bee Sanctuary and Bellinger Valley Hives and Honey are looking to conduct a study to determine the amount of American Foulbrood in the local feral bee population.
Residents are urged to contact Bellingen bee sanctuary with the location of any feral honeybee colonies via email atootzman1@gmail.com or Bellinger Valley Hives and Honey at bellingervalleyhoney@gmail.com.
They can also contact the Bellingen Bee sanctuary via phone at 0472723182