An outbreak of American foulbrood (AFB), a disease affecting colonies of honeybees, has been found in Perthshire.
A laboratory diagnosis has confirmed the cause of the infection which has killed thousands of bees at an apiary near Alyth.
The affected hives are being destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK.
The disease poses no risks to humans or affects supplies of honey.
The movement of bees and related equipment into, or out of, the affected apiary are under specific controls supervised by Scottish Government Bee Inspectors.
These include enhanced biosecurity measures and increased vigilance in the area.
Bee farmers and beekeepers are being urged to be vigilant for signs of the disease, to maintain good husbandry practices and to notify any suspicion of disease to BeesMailbox@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
Classic signs of the disease are sunken cappings on cells, which when uncapped reveal dead larvae in various stages of decomposition.
The larvae have a caramel like, light to dark brown consistency and when drawn out, the decomposing material strings out rather than snapping off - the roppiness test.
Beekeepers are urged to register on BeeBase, the national bee database. This will give them access to up-to-date information on the control of AFB and bee related issues.
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