Testing for Honeybee Pests and Diseases
Date published:
This service is provided free of charge (excluding postage and packaging of samples to the laboratory). Please include a sample submission form with all samples.
Adult bee tests include:
Acarine (tracheal mite), Nosema infection, Varroa mites, also limited testing for bee viruses.
(Please send a minimum of 30 dead bees for testing)
Brood comb / larval cell contents tests include:
American Foulbrood (AFB), European Foulbrood (EFB), Chalkbrood and other minor brood disorders.
(Please send a minimum brood comb size of 10cm x 10cm for testing)
To prevent damage in transit, wrap the sample(s) in tissue paper/kitchen roll or a plastic bag and place in a small cardboard box/container. Packaging in a padded envelope would also be preferable.
Contact Address:
Bee Health laboratory
Plant Health and IPM
Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute
18a Newforge Lane
Belfast BT9 5PX
E-mail: bee.health@afbini.gov.uk