Diagnosis of Foulbrood DiseasesThe diagnosis of AFB and EFB varies from the simple but effective (Microscopic analysis) to the more sophisticated (e.g. Molecular methods such as Real time PCR ).
Imported Bees Attendant worker bees that have been imported with queens from designated third countries, are also routinely checked for the presence of exotic pests. See section on
Imports and Exports Exotic Pests Small hive beetle (SHB),
Aethina tumida and
Tropilaelaps spp. are both statutorily notifiable under EU legislation.
Tropilaelaps spp. has not been found in the UK or Europe and SHB has not been found in the UK, but so far, is only present in southern Italy in continental Europe. If either of these pests are introduced into the UK, they could potentially cause major economical damage to the apiculture sector if they became established. The NBU Inspectorate carries out surveillance for these pests and beekeepers are strongly encouraged to monitor their hives for their presence, and diagnoses are carried out by the NBU laboratory staff.
PyrosequencingDNA sequencing is a vital part of Fera research into pathogen identification, environmental microbiology and genomics. Fera has invested in Pyrosequencing, a powerful new technology which enables them to sequence samples with unprecedented depth. At the core of their sequencing facility is a Roche GS FLX Pyrosequencer, backed up by powerful sequence processing hardware and a team of technicians and bioinformaticians. This technology is being applied to support the Bee Health Programme.
Last updated 15/08/18