American foulbrood broke out in at least five beehives in Saalfelden and Leogang. “The very contagious disease is notifiable,” says state veterinary director Josef Schöchl. “The authorities must act to prevent further spread.”

As the name suggests, it is a brood disease that is triggered by bacteria. Adult bees are not affected. The disease is also not transmissible to humans and the quality of the honey is not affected. For the beekeeper concerned it is …