New bee experts in the district

There are about 600 active beekeepers in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. They are subject to animal disease and food law monitoring by the specialist service for food monitoring, animal welfare and veterinary affairs of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. For a long time now, the monitoring authority has been supported in its work with beekeepers by so-called bee experts.

The tasks of bee experts include providing expert advice and support to the official veterinarian in the detection and control of bee diseases. Thus, the experts also form an important link between the active beekeepers and the authorities. Whether diagnostic examinations or the proper collection and dispatch of sample material for laboratory examinations at the apiary, but also advising and instructing beekeepers on disease prophylaxis and stock hygiene - bee experts have a broad field of activity. Together with the official veterinarian, they even carry out and monitor ordered disease control and disinfection measures.

Not every beekeeper is allowed to work as a bee expert. In order to be able to cope with the diverse tasks, additional qualification is needed. For example, those interested in the support activity must already have been active as beekeepers for several years. More importantly, they must complete a further training course at the Kirchhain Bee Institute and pass the final examination.

Fortunately, two beekeepers from Waldeck-Frankenberg took this hurdle last year. Ms Karin Bach from Diemelstadt-Dehausen and Ms Rebecca Bartoldus from Haina-Löhlbach are now allowed to support the existing six-member team of bee experts in the district in their assigned districts.

In this context, the Department for Food Control, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Affairs points out that the tasks of disease prevention and control can only be carried out effectively if beekeepers register as required. All beekeepers who have not yet done so are requested by the district to register as soon as possible.