British beekeepers alarmed at Bee Unit cuts

The British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) has warned that cuts in the number of bee inspectors in the UK will lead to more bee diseases and have a detrimental effect on the British economy.

The UK Government is reported to be making cuts in the National Bee Unit (NBU) (from £1.25m to £1m -- approx $2.2m to $1.75m). And the BBKA fears that this will mean cuts in seasonal (part-time) bee inspectors who are paid about £10,000 (approx $17,500) per year. The bee inspectors are primarily on the look-out for the infectious foulbrood diseases, EFB and AFB, as well as varroa infestations and other bee health problems.

British beekeepers are rightfully proud of the NBU and its bee inspectorate. The inspectors are held in high regard by beekeepers -- unlike many other types of inspector I could mention. They are frequently invited to beekeeper meetings and are generally regarded as a friend of the beekeeper. The inspectorate (and a policy of destruction of AFB infected hives) has, for example, been largely responsible for a very significant lowering of the incidence of the dreaded AFB in the UK.

Here's a job advert and job description for a Regional Bee Inspector, a full-time post, which entails a salary of £21,000.

The BBKA has done well to get publicity on a very influential BBC Radio programme -- The Today Programme. If you are quick, you may be able to hear a recording of the interview.