Beekeepers are responsible for the health and welfare of their bees, and in the first instance, for the management of pests and diseases. This duty of care includes:
- Recognising pests and diseases and through knowing their legal obligations, reporting any suspicion of notifiable pests or disease to their local Bee Inspector or the NBU;
- Maintaining good husbandry and health practices to prevent and control the spread of pests and diseases;
- Ensuring that their skills and competence levels are appropriate and up to date;
- Signing up to BeeBase;
- Complying with legislation on controlling pests and diseases, including standstill notices and import requirements;
- Using and storing medications and treatments appropriately;
- Maintaining records on the movement and location of their colonies within GB and making records available to their local Bee Inspector on request;
- Seeking specialist advice from their local beekeeping associations or from their local Bee Inspector.
