HONEYBEES in the north of Scotland have been hit by a highly contagious and untreatable disease.
The insects are suffering from an outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB), which was diagnosed by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture yesterday.
The affected hives, which are all located in Inverness-shire, will be destroyed and the movement of bees or related equipment in and out of the affected apiary has been banned in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Outbreaks of AFB have previously been reported and dealt with in this area over the past three years.
"There are no risks to public health from AFB and no implications for the quality and safety of honey."
Beekeepers are being urged to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and register on BeeBase, the national bee database, to keep up-to-date with information on the control of AFB and other bee related issues.
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