American foulbrood in bees

In Hückeswagen, "American foulbrood" has broken out in bees. The veterinary office of the Oberbergischer Kreis has established a restricted area. A general decree will come into effect on 18.06.2026. The bee disease is harmless to humans.

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

You can find a map image here

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 beehive. Most of the brood dies, so the number of bees in the affected colony becomes increasingly smaller and ultimately does not have the necessary strength to overwinter. The bee colony ages and eventually dies out. 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 area must now adhere to various regulations:

Every beekeeper who keeps bees in the restricted area is required to immediately report the current stock and exact locations to the veterinary office of the Oberbergischer Kreis. (amt39@obk.de or 02261-88 3931)

Mobile bee colonies may not be removed from their location. Additionally, no bees may be brought into the restricted area.

Bee colonies, living or dead bees, combs, comb parts, comb waste, wax, honey, feed reserves, and used equipment may not be removed from the beehives.

All bee colonies in the restricted area will be inspected by the veterinary office in the near future.