Official confirmation of American Foulbrood in a bee colony In Hückeswagen, the "American Foulbrood" has broken out among bees.

Oberbergischer Kreis. The veterinary office of the Oberbergischer Kreis has established a restricted zone. A general decree has come into effect. The bee disease is harmless to humans.

The Oberbergischer Kreis has established a restricted zone because the "American Foulbrood" has been detected in a bee colony. A restricted zone with a radius of approximately one kilometer has been designated around the affected bee colony. The restricted zone affects parts of the city of Hückeswagen and parts of the city of Radevormwald.

An image of the map can also be found at www.obk.de/faulbrut.

The foulbrood is a bacterial infectious disease ("Paenibacillus larvae") that infects the brood of affected bee colonies. The pathogen is transmitted in the form of infectious spores by foraging bees to the brood present in the hive. Most of the brood dies, reducing the number of bees in the affected colony to the point where it no longer has the necessary strength to survive the winter. The bee colony ages and eventually dies. Adult bees do not get sick from foulbrood. To combat foulbrood, affected colonies must be sanitized or, in the worst case, destroyed.

The bee disease is harmless to humans. Honey can still be consumed without any restrictions.

Beekeepers in the restricted zone must now adhere to various regulations:

• Every beekeeper who keeps bees in the restricted zone is required to report the current inventory and exact locations immediately to the veterinary office of the Oberbergischer Kreis.
• Movable bee colonies may not be removed from their location. Additionally, no bees may be brought into the restricted zone.
• Bee colonies, living or dead bees, honeycombs, comb parts, comb waste, wax, honey, food supplies, and used equipment may not be removed from the bee colonies.
• All bee colonies in the restricted zone will be inspected promptly by the veterinary office.

If you have any questions, please contact the veterinary office at the following phone number: 02261-88-3907 or at amt39@obk.de.

Note:
A registration form for beekeepers can be found on the website www.obk.de/faulbrut