American Foulbrood (AFB) was detected during routine testing of a sample of KI honey in mid-May 2020.
Whilst AFB is present in Australia (and detected from time to time in mainland South Australia), KI has to date remained free from any established presence of the disease.
Biosecurity SA is now conducting an initial delimiting survey of the KI honeybee population in an effort to contain and eradicate the disease.
Apiarists are asked to inspect all hives for notifiable pests and diseases. AFB is a notifiable disease. If you suspect a case of American Foulbrood, report it immediately to an Apiary Inspector:
Michael Stedman
Project Coordinator, Apiaries
Phone: (08) 84290872 or 0408 812 698
Email: michael.stedman@sa.gov.au
Teagan Alexander
Bee Biosecurity Officer
Phone (08) 84292170 or 0439 864 382
Email: teagan.alexander@sa.gov.au
https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/animal_health/bees/american_foulbrood
Important.
Why we need imported honey banned.
A deadly disease to bees is being trafficked into Australia in honey by honey importers. The bacterial disease American foul brood has resulted in billions of bees being euthanised and apiaries burnt.
In a biosecruity bungle that is costing Australia billions of dollars the diseased honey which comes in from various countries including China is excepted by Australia but China has made it clear that even though its endemic to China they refuse to take any contaminated honey.
The bacterial infection puts all beekeepers at risk but particularly those close to rubbish tips and areas where feeding birds honey is popular. Do Not Feed Honey to Birds and don’t feed honey to bees particularly imported honey.
Beekeepers all agree on calling all imported being banned or in the least irradiated destroying the AFB spores entering the country.
“every container of imported honey should be irradiated in the same way Pollen is required to be irradiated.”
Australian Beekeepers are united in this fight against AFB that has caused calamity and distress.
Beekeepers would like to know Why does Australia except honey from China with AFB but China not accept Australian honey with AFB?