Animal disease - Bee epidemic detected in the district of Harburg
In the Harburg district, American Foulbrood has been detected in bees. The outbreak was noticed during a routine inspection at a beekeeper's hive in the community of Tostedt, according to the Landrat's office.
To prevent the spread of bee disease, the Veterinary Service has established a quarantine zone with a two-kilometer radius around the affected hive. It takes effect on Tuesday. The disease had already been detected at another hive in Tostedt in May, and a quarantine zone had been established then.
Beekeepers must report their hives
All beekeepers within both quarantine zones must report the number and locations of their hives to the Veterinary Office. All hives in the new quarantine zone will be inspected, within the earliest two and the latest nine months after treatment. In addition, movable bee stands may not be removed from their location, nor may bees or entire hives be brought into the quarantine zone.
The Veterinary Service of the district administration can be reached at the phone number 04171 69 34 66 for questions. Further information can be found on the website https://www.landkreis-harburg.de/faulbrut.
The American Foulbrood is reportable in Germany and affects only bees, as stated further in the message. The bacteria that cause the disease form long-lasting spores. The infection risk for bees is therefore high if the disease is not combated in time.
Through infected hives, beekeepers can suffer significant economic losses. For humans and other animals, the bacteria and its spores are harmless.
- The affected hive is located in the community of Tostedt, which is situated within the Harburg district of Lower Saxony.
- The Veterinary Service has implemented a restricted area around the infected hive, with a two-kilometer radius, to contain the spread of American Foulbrood to other animal populations in Winsen and surrounding areas.
- Beekeepers in the Harburg district have been advised to follow strict guidelines to protect their hives, such as regular checks and strict movement restrictions for bees and hives, to minimize the risk of contamination.
- The environmental impact of the disease in the affected area is unknown, and further research is needed to understand the potential effects on local ecosystems and wildlife that rely on pollination from bees.
- Awareness campaigns are being launched in the district to educate the public about American Foulbrood and how it affects bees, with suggestions for how individuals can support local beekeepers and contribute to the health of the bee population in Lower Saxony.
