Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) Annual Report 2025
This annual report of the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) provides an overview of its activities and progress during the third year of Scotland's second 10-year Honey Bee Health Strategy, which was published in 2022.
Science, Research and Development
Preliminary work planned for early 2026 to carry out whole genome sequencing on historic EFB samples, with a view to achieving better resolution and differentiation than the current ‘strain typing’ method can provide. It is hoped this can be used to better understand the risk factors most influencing the spread of disease from infected apiaries.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been produced and procedures are being formalised for the laboratory processing and analysis of Yellow-legged Hornet nests at SASA, including genetic analysis of individuals.
SOPs have been updated for the processing of Tropilaelaps screening samples submitted by the bee inspectors from exotic pest surveillance inspections, with plans to introduce this test in 2026 season.
Nation-wide survey to establish the distribution of EFB across Scotland
As part of the review of the current European foulbrood (EFB) control strategy in Scotland, the BHIP agreed that the Honey Bee Health Team should conduct a nation-wide survey in 2024 to establish the distribution of EFB across the country. Beekeepers registered on the national database, BeeBase, were randomly selected and invited to send samples of adult bees to be tested for the pathogen which causes EFB.
In total, 107 beekeepers out of 150 who originally agreed to take part sent in samples for analysis to the lab at SASA, which is a 71% return rate. The results from the survey reflect those from the previous surveys, carried out from 2012 to 2015, and indicate that our understanding of the distribution of EFB across Scotland remains accurate. They suggest that EFB is not widespread out with the known infected zone, and the current risk-based inspection programme is correctly targeted and best use of the inspection resources. The report was published 17 June 2025, the full report can be accessed EFB Survey Report - nationalbeeunit.com.
Analysis of the economic impact of European foulbrood (EFB)
In 2025, SRUC completed an economic analysis of European Foulbrood (EFB) control strategies to inform future disease management policy. The study compared the economic and operational impacts of different approaches, including the current practice of treating only clinically infected colonies and more proactive strategies involving earlier or wider intervention. The findings highlighted that while more proactive control measures may involve higher short-term costs, they have the potential to reduce overall disease spread and long-term economic impacts by limiting onward transmission and reducing future control requirements. The report provides an important evidence base to support decision-making on the most cost-effective and sustainable approach to managing EFB in Scotland, helping to protect colony health, support beekeepers, and maintain wider pollination and environmental benefits.
Further information is available in the SRUC report Economic Analysis of EFB Control Strategies (2025) - sruc.com
Isaac Badu has completed the second year of his PhD, investigating potential conflicts between managed and wild honeybees in a Scottish situation. The fieldwork has now been completed and the lab work and data analysis is ongoing. Plans are in place to report key findings to relevant stakeholders through attendance at workshops, as well as providing evidence to SG policy and academia through written reports.
Contact
Email: bees_mailbox@gov.scot