On Tuesday 12th August in temperatures touching 30 degrees, our training apiary in Sutton Park was visited by the regional bee inspector, Suzanne King. She had arranged with the apiary manager Bob Gilbert to go through all of our colonies to look for disease. With no reported foul brood within our area this was a routine check organised by the inspectorate. Each hive had their frames inspected for foul brood and we are delighted to report that we have been given a clean bill of health. Thanks go to our apiary management team and trainers who work tirelessly to promote good apiary hygiene practices and to all of our members who have respected the apiary and taken this advice on board.
Last year we asked members, if possible, to have an association specific bee suit and boots to be worn exclusively at our apiary, or to use one of the suits we keep on site and disposable nitrate gloves are provided for all. We also have a policy of not allowing members to bring any personal equipment into our apiary.
Our welcome team of Gary and George ensure these rules are adhered to. This visit was a timely reminder to all to continue to be diligent with their hygiene as any sign of foul brood would result in closure for members. Suzanne commented on how well kept our apiary is and how lucky we are to have it situated in such a fabulous location.
Our thanks go to Suzanne for giving us her time and expertise.
