American foulbrood A new outbreak of the American Foulbrood in another bee colony.

Oberbergischer Kreis. On 10.06.2026, the outbreak of the "American Foulbrood" was officially confirmed in a bee colony in Hückeswagen. During subsequent investigations in the surrounding area, the Veterinary Office of the Oberbergischer Kreis identified further outbreaks. Consequently, the already existing restricted zone was expanded. It now also includes areas of Radevormwald and extends to the borders of Märkischer Kreis and Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis. Another general directive regarding the matter has come into effect and can be viewed at the following link: www.obk.de/faulbrut. A reporting form for beekeepers is also available here.

The American Foulbrood is a bacterial infectious disease ("Paenibacillus larvae") that affects the brood of the infected bee colonies. The pathogen is transmitted to the brood present in the hive by foraging bees in the form of infectious spores. Most of the brood dies, causing the number of bees in the affected colony to decrease and eventually become too weak to survive the winter. The bee colony ages and eventually dies. Adult bees do not contract Foulbrood. To combat Foulbrood, infected colonies must be sanitized or, in the worst case, destroyed.

The bee disease is harmless to humans. Honey can continue to 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 obliged to promptly report the current stock and the exact locations to the Veterinary Office of the Oberbergischer Kreis.
• Movable bee hives must not be removed from their location. Additionally, no bees may be brought into the restricted zone.
• Bee colonies, living or dead bees, combs, comb parts, comb waste, wax, honey, food reserves, and used equipment must not be removed from the bee hives.
• All bee hives in the restricted zone as well as contact bee hives will be inspected promptly by the Veterinary Office.

If you have any questions, please contact the Veterinary Office of the Oberbergischer Kreis at the following phone number: 02261 88-3903.