http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/honeybees06062013

Honey, honey

06/06/2013

Over three quarters of Scottish beekeepers lost at least one colony last
winter, according to the first Scottish bee health survey which is
published today.The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, was
designed to assess the health status of honey bees in Scotland and gain a
better understanding of how factors such as husbandry and disease affect
them.

Key results of survey include:

   - 39 per cent of beekeepers questioned lost at least one colony during
   winter 2011-12 and 79 per cent lost at least one colony during winter
   2012-13
   - Beekeepers identified weather, queen health, starvation and Varroa
   mites as the main risk factors
   - The highest winter losses in 2012-13 were sustained in the Highlands;
   the lowest losses were in Tayside
   - The average Scottish beekeeper has been beekeeping for less than 10
   years, manages five or fewer colonies and produces 20-29lb of honey per
   colony annually
   - Foulbrood disease and other notifiable pests were not found outwith
   known disease areas
   - Varroa mites were present in all nine regions inspected, although
   smaller areas of Varroa freedom may still exist in parts of Scotland

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