Barbour County, Ala. (WDNews) — State agriculture officials have confirmed the presence of Africanized honeybees in Barbour County, marking the first known case in the area.
According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), the aggressive bee species was identified after local beekeepers collected a swarm and submitted it for testing. The swarm was humanely euthanized to protect surrounding honeybee populations.
“There is no reason for public concern at this time, but we are treating this situation seriously,” said Commissioner Rick Pate. “Our team is actively collaborating with local beekeepers and entomology experts to ensure swift detection and appropriate response.”
To prevent the spread, ADAI has launched a targeted monitoring effort, setting traps within a 5-mile radius of the detection site to monitor any additional activity. Local beekeepers have been alerted and are being provided guidance on how to identify and handle Africanized bees.
Africanized honeybees, often referred to as “killer bees,” are a hybrid of African and European species. They look nearly identical to European honeybees but are known for being more defensive and swarming more frequently.
ADAI warns that these bees may pursue perceived threats farther than European bees, sometimes up to a mile.
Officials are urging residents not to disturb bee colonies and to report any unusually aggressive bee behavior to ADAI’s State Apiary Protection Unit at (334) 240-7228 or (334) 240-7172.
For more information, visit agi.alabama.gov.
