AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Apiary Protection Unit confirmed the presence of Africanized honey bees (AHB) in hives in Jackson and St. Clair counties through genetic testing.
ADAI officials are developing a strategic monitoring plan for AHBs. Swarm traps will be placed within a five to 10 mile radius of confirmed cases. Bee samples will also be taken from nearby beekeepers as a precaution. ADAI said this proactive measure aims to assess the extent of AHB infiltration and prevent future spread.
Jack Rowe, a bee specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said Alabama has not had an AHB presence before, sparing the state’s beekeepers from colony management issues.
“The Apiary Protection Unit maintains careful surveillance at the Port of Mobile to prevent an AHB invasion,” Rowe said. “It’s up to the rest of us to make sure we don’t bring in AHB by accident. “Vigilance is important, as is compliance with Alabama apiary laws.”
AHBs resemble European honeybees, but their behaviour is different. AHBs are more defensive, are more easily disturbed and respond in greater numbers. Other identifying qualities are described in the ADAI press release.
Beekeepers who regularly collect swarms or perform bee removals should be alert for bees that appear very aggressive to humans or animals. If they are found, Phillip Carter, apiary inspector with ADAI’s plant protection division, encourages beekeepers to contact the plant protection division so a sample can be collected and tested for AHB genes.
“Researchers are speculating that the two confirmed AHB colonies are the result of the purchase of illegal queens, packs and nucs from other states with AHB presence,” Carter said.
Rowe said Carter is asking all beekeepers to obey the No Comb Law and not purchase nucs from out of state.
“We have this law in place to prevent exactly what is happening now, not just bee pests and diseases,” Carter said.
When purchasing mated queens or packages from another state with confirmed AHB presence, it is imperative that the buyer request a certificate from the seller confirming their AHB testing through their state apiary program.
“We must all comply with Alabama apiary laws to protect the bee population in Alabama and prevent the spread of AHB in our state,” Rowe said.
Rowe said that if beekeepers receive packages or queens from the following states, it is best to request certificates stating that the bee population from which they were bred is free of AHB genes:
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Arizona
- Snowfall
- California
If you think you have come across an unusually aggressive hive, contact Rowe or Allyson Shabel, both members of the Alabama Extension beekeeping team. You can also contact the Apiary Protection Unit through the following contact information:
Central and North Alabama beekeepers, please contact Jason James at 334-850-7757. South Central and South Alabama beekeepers, please contact Phillip Carter at 334-414-1666 or Randy Hamann at 334-850-7758. You may also contact Daniele Sisk at the ADAI Montgomery office at 334-240-7228.
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