Bee crisis in Munich: restricted area due to American foulbrood!

Bee crisis in Munich: restricted area due to American foulbrood!

Bee lovers in and around Munich have to be careful at the moment. On October 24, 2025, American foulbrood was detected in bee colonies in the Munich district, more precisely in Forstenrieder Park. This is causing a lot of excitement among beekeepers because the epidemic can have far-reaching consequences for beekeeping. Sausage is certainly not at stake, but there is great concern for our hard-working little pollinators, and rightly so.

In order to prevent the spread of the disease, the state capital of Munich (LHM) issued a general decree on October 31, 2025, which was published on the LHM homepage. A restricted area with a radius of at least one kilometer around the outbreak site has been established. No bee colonies, live or dead bees, honeycombs or honeycomb waste may be removed here. The introduction of new bee colonies is also not permitted in the restricted area. The aim is to ensure the health of bee populations as best as possible.

Rules for beekeepers and beekeepers

Beekeepers are asked to be particularly careful and to closely monitor symptoms of American foulbrood in their beekeepers. If you have any doubts, you should definitely contact the municipal veterinary office immediately. A health certificate is required if bees are brought from or to Munich. In addition, new apiaries or changes to existing locations in the city must be reported to the veterinary office.

• Die Bienenseuche ist für Menschen und andere Tiere ungefährlich.
• Honig aus betroffenen Völkern kann bedenkenlos verzehrt werden.
• Honig darf ganzjährig nicht an Bienen verfüttert werden.
• Die Entsorgung von Honigbehältern sollte verantwortungsbewusst erfolgen: ausgewaschen im Müll oder Glascontainer, nicht offen für Bienen aufbewahren.

The City Veterinary Office would like to expressly thank the people of Munich for their support in maintaining healthy bee hives. Because without the little pollinators we could soon have a big problem - and not just when it comes to our honey.

Legal advice for beekeepers if the worst comes to the worst

If beekeepers get into legal difficulties, such as losses due to foulbrood, it is advisable to seek legal advice. A top-notch attorney could be very helpful. During an initial contact by telephone or email, often referred to as an initial consultation, a joint decision is made as to whether a lawyer-client relationship will be established. Important aspects can be clarified here, such as the validity of claims or a clarifying cost structure. It is advisable to have medical or relevant documentation ready in advance.

At this stage, it is important to provide a personal account of the impact on one's life, be it financial burdens or emotional losses. Such precise documentation helps the legal advisor enormously to assess the situation in the best possible way and to proceed strategically.

Overall, it is clear that the bee industry is faced with challenges even in times like these. But with the right measures and a good hand in dealing with the lovely little workers, the bees could overcome this crisis - and continue to delight us with delicious honey and blooming gardens.