The plague called American foulbrood has struck beehives in Berg - the consequences are drastic.
Berg - The American foulbrood in the beehives in Berg parish has torn gaps in the population.
Of the twelve infected bee colonies, eight had to be killed because of significant spore infestation, reports district office spokeswoman Barbara Beck when asked.
The four other peoples were only moderately affected.
"They were subjected to what is known as an artificial swarm process," says Beck.
The bees are put on a diet and the beehive is fumigated.
It will be seen in the spring whether the process was successful.
"All of the bee colonies have now been winterized, so there is no risk of the pathogen being spread by bees."
As reported, the American foulbrood was discovered in an apiary in the municipality of Berg in early September.
The veterinary office then set up a restricted area around the disease population and examined all the bee colonies in it.
Due to further positive evidence, the restricted area was expanded in October.
There are 23 beekeepers in the restricted area who keep 160 bee colonies.
After the winter rest, all remaining bee colonies in the restricted area are examined for foulbrood spores.
"If all the investigations produce a negative result, the restricted area will be lifted again," announced District Office Spokeswoman Beck.
"Until then, no bees may be brought out of or into the restricted area." The American foulbrood infects the brood of bees and kills them.
The bees usually drag them into the beehive through their food, for example when they consume contaminated honey from a jar that has not been rinsed out.
The American foulbrood is absolutely harmless to humans.