A killer disease that has been described as the beekeeping industry's "foot and mouth" has struck in Scotland.

European Foulbrood has been found in hives in Perthshire and Angus.

Government inspectors are also looking at suspected cases in Strathmore, the Carse of Gowrie and Dundee.

The bacteria attacks larvae by inserting itself into their gut and taking food, eventually starving them to death.

Beekeepers are being urged to be on alert for a "fish-like" smell, caused by rotting larva.

If caught quickly enough, the bug can be treated but once it has taken root, infected hives have to be destroyed.

Sandy Gordon from Aberdeen has been beekeeping for over 40 years.

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RESOURCES
Extended Interview with beekeeper Sandy Gordon
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He said: “Eventually it destroys the colony because if there’s no young grubs coming through and your older bees are dying off, the colony is going down all the time.

“Hopefully we can stamp it our before it affects everyone.”

Any hive that reports a trace of the disease must report it to the Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs, which will then be checked over by a local inspector.

If European Foulbrood is detected, the hive will have to be burned. Around 100 have already been disposed of in this way in Scotland.

Cases of the disease have been recorded in England and Wales, but this is the first time it has been seen in Scotland.

It can be spread during the transfer of combs, brood or other items from an infected hive to a healthy one.

The Scottish Beekeepers Association says the origins of the outbreak cannot be determined, and it may be more widespread than they know.

Beekeepers in the north-east are being warned to be on high alert.

The Scottish Government says anyone with a suspected case must inform them by law.

Inspectors have already been sent to zones around the country to look for cases.