An outbreak of a disease which can wipe out bee colonies has been discovered in two Scottish apiaries.

A number of hives afflicted with American Foulbrood in St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire, were destroyed this week.

There is no treatment for the disease although it poses no danger to humans and does not affect the quality of honey.

Beekeepers have been warned not to move bees or equipment into or out of the affected area.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "An outbreak of American Foulbrood, a disease affecting colonies of honeybees, has been found in two apiaries in South Aberdeenshire.

"The disease was confirmed on Monday following laboratory diagnosis by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture."