Gwenynwyr Cymru The Welsh Beekeeper

The development of Beebase has enabled us to introduce, like other
inspection agencies, a far more ‘risk assessed’ and proactive approach
to the way in which we organise our inspection work. At the heart of
it is a database that holds details of all registered beekeepers, their
apiaries and colonies, along with their inspection records and disease
history. It enables us to identify apiaries and areas at risk of disease
and to focus our work on tackling disease and preventing it from
spreading. The Random Apiary Survey which sampled nearly 5000
apiaries in England and Wales during 2009 - 2011 has given us a clear
picture of the pathogens and diseases present in our hives and, in
the process, confirmed that the Beebase approach was scientifically
robust.
When we log onto our system and plan a week’s inspection work,
Beebase prioritises the visits we need to do. It targets those apiaries
and beekeepers with an experience of disease, and their neighbouring
beekeepers who may then be at risk. It also reflects vulnerabilities
in biosecurity - for example, when buying in bees. Unfortunately, we
have seen situations in which nucs have been supplied from apiaries
where disease has been present. It is always worth asking your
nuc supplier about their disease history and the date of their last
inspection.
We are also keen to inspect new beekeepers’ bees, especially those
bought in from elsewhere, and to give them some initial help and
advice. We will encourage them to register on Beebase – and put paid
to the myth that, just because they have joined their local beekeeping
association, they are automatically on the official register.
Not only is Beebase an invaluable resource to us as inspectors, we
also hope it is a useful tool for beekeepers too. Using a secure and
confidential log in, beekeepers can access and then maintain their
own records, down to colony level, of their own beekeeping and
inspection activities and track details on the health and productivity
of their bees. There is also a raft of advice available on Beebase
and the local Inspector’s contact details allowing you to get in touch
directly in the event of any serious concerns you might have about
the health of your bees. We will never mind visiting - even if it later
turns out that there is nothing to worry about. It’s always better to
be safe than sorry.
Beebase is, of course, only as good as the information it holds. We
would encourage all beekeepers to keep at least their basic contact
and apiary details up to date so that, should the worst happen and
notifiable pests or disease turns up close to you, we are able to
Gwenynwyr Cymru #182 27
Hydref 2013