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The NBU, in liaison with Defra and the Welsh Government, has developed contingency plans and surveillance measures to be able to tackle an outbreak of an exotic pest or disease. Since 2003, Appointed Bee Inspectors have been increasing the Statutory Surveillance Programmes to specifically monitor for Aethina tumida - Small hive beetle (SHB), Tropilaelaps mites and for Vespa velutina - the Asian hornet.
The NBU uses BeeBase linked to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to help prioritise this programme and target ‘At Risk Apiaries,' for example:
In addition, the NBU, in collaboration with local beekeepers and associations carry out annual contingency exercises in a number of regions. Our contingency plans detail the response to an exotic pest outbreak should either SHB, Tropilaelaps spp. or Asian hornet be found in the UK.
Emergency measures will be implemented in order to make a rapid assessment of the extent of infestation, followed by eradication of the pest if possible. However, if the beetle is established and therefore cannot be eradicated, a containment and control policy will be implemented. The approach taken will depend highly upon the extent of the infestation. Similar arrangements will apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Please follow the link to download our proposed action in the event of an introduction into England or Wales of an exotic pest or disease of honey bees.
General Contingency Plan for Plant and Bee Health
English Pest Specific Contingency Plan Small Hive Beetle and Tropilaelaps mite
Welsh Pest Specific Contingency Plan Small Hive Beetle and Tropilaelaps mite
English Pest Specific Contingency Plan for Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax)
Welsh Pest Specific Contingency Plan for Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax)
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