Co.Cork Beekeepers' Association have been included in this scheme, which will eventually be extended to cover all Ireland. I have been appointed as a team leader and my task is to get a sample from members of Co.Cork BKA. A total of thirty samples is needed from each area. Please help by taking a sample of sixty to one hundred bees from one colony in your apiary. (A half full honey jar will hold about a hundred bees). If you have a number of apiaries perhaps you could take a sample from each apiary (maximum 5 samples per individual).

Method of sampling: Use what ever method you wish to take the samples from the hive, at least sixty bees per sample. Samples can be taken by placing a jar over the feed-hole in the crown board and slipping a card under it when enough bees are inside, by shaking the bees from a frame into a plastic container and then pouring them into a jar, by holding a freezer bag open across the entrance of the hive to catch flying bees as they come out.

Random samples are required with just one sample per apiary. In Apiaries where there is only one hive, take the sample from it; likewise for feral colonies. In apiaries with more than one hive take sample from second hive as you face the entrances. Put label on container with identity number e.g. beekeepers name, town land and hive number. Some of these may be used for DNA analysis at a later stage. Kill bees by freezing and keep samples frozen at all times until collected.