>Believe it or not, we were forbidden from disclosing this information to beekeepers, other that to say "seen a bit of AFB not too far from here" or some such mumblesome pleasantry.

We have a similar situation here.  I found AFB in an apiary that I bought in my early days as a beekeeper (no sign in April when I bought it, but in September I found three colonies with it).  I called in the Ministry and said to the inspector after confirmation that it was AFB that I would contact all local beekeepers to let them know.  His immediate reaction was that I should not do that - 'you will be a pariah', he said.  My reaction was that I should practise what I was preaching and the best way to eliminate AFB was to let everyone know about any outbreaks.

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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