American Foulbrood in OBK American foulbrood in bees is spreading further in the northern district.

Oberbergischer Kreis. On 10.06.2026, the outbreak of "American Foulbrood" was officially confirmed for the first time in a bee colony in Hückeswagen. During subsequent surrounding investigations, the Veterinary Office of Oberbergischer Kreis detected several more outbreaks, most recently on 06.08.2026 in Radevormwald. As a result, the already existing restricted areas were expanded. They now also include areas of Radevormwald and extend to the borders of the Märkischer Kreis and the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis. A fourth general decree on the situation has come into force. This and an up-to-date interactive map of the restricted areas can be found at www.obk.de/faulbrut. A reporting form for beekeepers is also available here.

American foulbrood is a bacterial infectious disease ("Paenibacillus larvae") that affects the brood of the 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, causing the number of bees in the affected colony to decrease 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 contract 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 area must now observe several regulations:

• Every beekeeper holding bees in the restricted area is required to promptly report the current stock and exact locations to the Veterinary Office of Oberbergischer Kreis.
• Movable beehives must not be removed from their location. Additionally, no bees may be brought into the restricted area.
• Bee colonies, live or dead bees, combs, comb parts, comb waste, wax, honey, feed supplies, and used equipment must not be removed from the apiaries.
• All apiaries in the restricted area, as well as contact apiaries, will be inspected promptly by the Veterinary Office.

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