Biosecurity considerations
Biosecurity introduction of new stock
the new queen and attendants
1 |
Keep good records and a calendar
of events |
2 |
Enquire about the health of the
area where the new queen is coming from |
3 |
Enquire is the source provides
specific health information regarding their queen bees |
4 |
When bees arrive keep them well
separate from your hives and any bee equipment |
5 |
Examine bees in detail looking
for any parasitic conditions (Varroasis - (Varroa
destructor) in particular) and
for any deformities especially in wing structure. |
6 |
Sacrifice the attendant workers
and post mortem. Dissect bees and look
for Acarina (Acarapis woodii), and test for European Foul
Brood (Melissococcus
plutonius) and American Foul Brood (Paenibacillus larvae) by lateral
flow. Macerate bees and examine for
Nosema (Nosema
apris and Nosema ceranae). |
7 |
Calculate the crude protein
content of the worker bees as an indication of general health |
8 |
Set up new hive as far as possible
away from your current established apiaries |
9 |
After one month, examine hive in
detail. Review health of new
hive. If no problems are noted,
relocate hive to your apiaries |