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Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government today launched a joint consultation on a strategy to improve and protect honey bee health.

Honey bees face a growing number of threats from pests and diseases. Significant current widespread risks include American Foulbrood and European Foulbrood which are both subject to statutory controls, and varroa mites and associated viruses.

Colony losses due to varroa infestation have increased since 2001 due to the mites developing resistance to available treatments. In addition, there are few alternative approved treatments. Potential exotic threats include small hive beetle, parasitic brood mites and undesirable species such as the Asian hornet, which prey on colonies.

The strategy seeks to address the challenges facing beekeepers given their important role as custodians of honey bees. It sets out a plan for the future direction of work aimed at sustaining the health of honey bees and beekeeping in England and Wales for the next decade.

It recognises the important roles of various stakeholders in implementing the strategy - Government, individual beekeepers, their associations and others, such as honey importers.

Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health, said: "Honey bees are facing serious threats from a growing number of pests and diseases. It is vital that we do all we can to respond effectively to these threats and to sustain honey bees and beekeeping for today and for future generations.

"The strategy provides direction and focus for Government, beekeepers and other stakeholders working together over the next decade on sustaining honey bees. We are grateful for the constructive engagement with beekeeping associations over recent months to develop the strategy. Once the final strategy is published after consultation, we will need to work with the associations on a suitable implementation plan."

The Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones said: "Honey bees play a important role in food production through pollination. The consultation on the draft strategy will be an opportunity to influence future action in Wales by Government and other stakeholders, including beekeepers, to protect the honey bee from the ongoing threats of pests and disease."

The consultation will run until 29 August 2008.

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