Second bee disease case confirmed on Jersey

Drifting drones can spread the disease from hive to hive

The second case of a bee-killing disease which can devastate colonies has been confirmed on Jersey.

Officers from the environment department confirmed the second case of the bacterial American Foulbrood disease.

The hive and any other material which could be infected will be destroyed.

The only way to stop the spread of disease is to stop all movement of hives, bees and equipment and to destroy all infected combs and bees.

Spore infection

The Environment Minister declared the island an infected area on Friday after the first case was confirmed.

American Foulbrood is caused by a bacteria which reproduces using spores eaten by the bees.

The bacteria multiply in the bee's gut, eventually killing it.

It is thought to be spread either by drifting bees such as drones who may visit a number of hives or when beekeepers transfer an infected comb from one hive to another.

Any beekeepers who are not members of the Jersey Beekeepers' Association are required to contact the environment department.