A case of American foulbrood has been confirmed in the Rankas parish of Gulbene municipality. A three-kilometer threat zone has been established around the infected apiary, where veterinary services will conduct inspections and examinations of bee colonies.
In the "Kalnieši" farm in the Rankas parish of Gulbene municipality, American foulbrood has been identified — a dangerous infectious disease capable of destroying bee colonies. The corresponding order has been published in the official publication "Latvijas Vēstnesis."
After the disease was confirmed, the area within a three-kilometer radius around the apiary has been declared a threat zone. This means that additional veterinary inspections and epizootic control will be conducted here in the near future.
The senior state veterinary inspector of the Eastern Vidzeme Food and Veterinary Service has been tasked with examining the bee colonies, collecting samples for laboratory research, and determining whether the disease could have spread to other apiaries. Specialists will also investigate possible routes of infection transmission.
Apiary owners located in the restricted zone are required to comply with the demands of the Food and Veterinary Service and cooperate with inspectors during inspections.
American foulbrood is not dangerous to humans; however, it is one of the most severe diseases for bees. Without timely measures, it leads to the death of infected bee colonies and can quickly spread to neighboring apiaries.
In addition to ecological consequences, the disease causes significant economic damage to beekeepers, as it leads to a reduction in honey production and other beekeeping products.
In the near future, specialists will continue to inspect apiaries in the threat zone to determine the extent of the disease's spread and prevent the emergence of new infection hotspots.
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