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Bee deaths in Bad Dürkheim: 263 colonies slaughtered due to disease infestation
Bad Dürkheim: District administration kills 263 bee colonies because of American foulbrood in order to combat the disease and prevent infection.
Bee deaths in Bad Dürkheim: 263 colonies slaughtered due to disease infestation
In a massive operation to combat American foulbrood, over 260 bee colonies were killed in Bad Dürkheim on Tuesday morning. An alarmingly high number of 263 beehives were destroyed at 3 a.m. at three different locations under veterinary supervision. This measure stems from an infestation with the highly contagious disease caused by the bacteriumPaenibacillus larvaeis caused and has devastating effects on honey bees. Loud SWR Employees of the veterinary and public order office as well as a bee disease expert were on duty.
The decision to kill was made because of the risk that the disease would otherwise spread. Some of the bee colonies of an affected beekeeper couple were demonstrably infected, which is why the Neustadt administrative court rejected an urgent application against the measures. Alderman Jonas Bender expressed regret about the killing, but emphasized the need for these drastic steps to prevent the spread of foulbrood.
The disease and its effects
Not only is American Foulbrood contagious, it also has special characteristics: it breaks down the body structure of the larvae, leading to a muddy state that eventually dries up. In addition to this disease, infected honeycombs and tools are also a risk because they can transmit the disease to healthy bee colonies. In Germany, outbreaks of American foulbrood must be reported, and the destruction of infected colonies is often the only way out. Wikipediareports that 72 outbreaks were detected in Germany in 2022, highlighting the return of the danger.
The affected bees were then taken to the waste incineration plant in Ludwigshafen, where they were removed along with the pallets and car tires used. For the affected beekeeper couple, the destruction of the bee colonies will be expensive: they have to raise at least 10,000 euros for the forced destruction.
Reactions and outlook
The couple reacted sadly to the destruction of their bees, especially since they were informed of the infection by marked hives, which they had removed. The court found that unreliable behavior in terms of control over their colonies had contributed to the unavoidable decision to kill the bees. This not only arouses pity for the affected beekeepers, but also raises questions about the responsibility of beekeepers and the importance of preventive measures.
The Rhineland-Palatinate Beekeepers Association supported the court decision because it is seen as essential to protect the health of other bee colonies and the entire ecosystem. Given the impending danger in the coming months, it remains to be seen how beekeepers will respond to this situation and what additional measures could be taken to prevent such outbreaks in the future.