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.
Notifiable pests
Defra, Welsh Government and Scottish Government issued safeguard measures on October 2025 for imports of honey bees, unprocessed hive products and used beekeeping equipment from Ukraine. This was done to address concerns about the official surveillance for Tropilaelaps and the potential for this pest to have spread into Ukraine given the proximity of other outbreaks.
Work is ongoing by the Scottish Government to develop a pest-specific contingency plan in response to the emerging threats posed by Small Hive Beetle and Tropilaelaps mites. This plan will strengthen our preparedness by setting out clear governance, surveillance, and operational response arrangements in the event of an incursion. This proactive approach ensures that roles, responsibilities, and control measures are clearly defined, supporting a rapid and effective response to protect Scotland’s bee health and mitigate potential impacts on beekeepers and the wider environment.
Contact
Email: bees_mailbox@gov.scot