European Foulbrood Outbreaks: A Crisis Threatening Beekeeping in Wallonia

European Foulbrood Outbreaks: A Crisis Threatening Beekeeping in Wallonia

The Unseen Threat to Beekeeping

European Foulbrood, a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects bee larvae, has been wreaking havoc in Wallonia, primarily in the province of Luxembourg. This disease is causing severe distress among beekeepers as it necessitates the destruction of their bee colonies, including those not directly impacted by the disease. This is a harsh reality that the beekeepers are forced to face in order to prevent further spread of this deadly disease.

Johan Kindermans: A Case Study

Johan Kindermans, a beekeeper in Wibrin, has made the difficult decision to preemptively destroy his bee colonies. His decision was not just to eliminate those affected by European Foulbrood, but also the ones not directly impacted by the disease. “I had to kill them all myself,” Kindermans bitterly recalls. This drastic measure is a direct response to a ruling that mandates the destruction of all colonies when 50% of hives are affected, as per the regulations of the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA).

The Controversy Surrounding the AFSCA’s Measures

However, these extreme measures have drawn criticism from many quarters, including from Martin Dermine, a veterinarian specializing in bees. He criticizes the decision to destroy an entire beekeeper’s stock due to a few cases of European Foulbrood. Dermine argues that if among ten colonies, three are sick and seven are healthy, the healthy colonies should be preserved. The logic behind his argument is that these healthy colonies have shown resistance to the disease and possess good genetics, which could be crucial for future beekeeping endeavors.

The Impact on the Beekeeping Industry

The AFSCA is enforcing a regulation that the sector understands but regrets. This measure shakes the foundation of years of hard work and dedication of many beekeepers. Jacque Delacolette, president of the apiculture section of Houffalize, voices his concern stating that this measure undermines years of hard work.

The Situation at Hand

In recent months, about ten outbreaks of European Foulbrood have been identified, with the majority located in the province of Luxembourg. These outbreaks have resulted in the destruction of numerous bee colonies, causing significant distress among beekeepers.

Conclusion: A Need for Balanced Measures

The current response to European Foulbrood outbreaks, which involves destroying all bee colonies, even those not directly affected by the disease, raises a crucial question: Are we doing more harm than good to the beekeeping industry? While the aim is to prevent the spread of the disease, the measures are causing significant loss and distress among beekeepers. Therefore, a more balanced approach that takes into consideration the welfare of both the bees and the beekeepers is needed.