Africanized Honeybee Swarm Found In Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) on Monday confirmed the presence of Africanized honeybees in Barbour County, following the collection of a feral swarm by local beekeepers.

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ADAI said the feral swarm, which was collected by local beekeepers, was humanely euthanized to protect Alabama’s honeybee populations.

The agency is also launching targeted monitoring efforts to assess and contain further activity.

While ADAI is asking that the entire state be vigilant, no threat to Tuscaloosa County or the surrounding West Alabama area has been announced.

The state agency says Africanized honeybees — a hybrid of African and European species — share many physical traits with European honeybees but are more defensive and prone to swarming.

Africanized honeybees may also pursue threats up to a mile and often nest in diverse and unexpected locations, such as utility boxes and underground cavities.

ADAI said traps were deployed within a 5-mile radius of the detection site as part of an ongoing initiative to safeguard pollinators and support local apiarists.

“There is no reason for public concern at this time, but we are treating this situation seriously,” Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate said. “Our team is actively collaborating with local beekeepers and entomology experts to ensure swift detection and appropriate response.”

Pate said local beekeepers are being advised on how to identify and manage Africanized honeybees.

ADAI will also collect samples as needed to aid in surveillance and risk assessment.

The department also urges the public not to disturb or remove bee colonies or swarms, saying that unusually aggressive bee behavior should be reported to ADAI immediately.

For more information or to report suspected activity, contact ADAI’s State Apiary Protection Unit at (334) 240-7228 or (334) 240-7172.

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