SOP · HUSBANDRY
Colony-Collapse Surge Response
ActiveHusbandryRev C
Purpose
To govern the rapid, coordinated response to sudden multi-colony collapse events across the apiary grid, whether driven by disease, predation, or pesticide exposure. The procedure limits spread, preserves diagnostic evidence, and stabilises surviving stock.
Scope
All grid-wide colony-collapse surge events meeting the activation threshold.
In scope:
- Surge activation and triage of affected blocks
- Isolation of collapsing colonies
- Diagnostic sampling and evidence preservation
- Stabilisation of surviving colonies
Out of scope:
- Routine single-colony inspection, which follows Apiary Grid Husbandry & Colony Inspection
- Long-term restocking via breeding, which follows Queen-Rearing & Grafting
Definitions
Collapse Surge
A rapid loss of adult population across multiple colonies exceeding the activation threshold.
Activation Threshold
The number of affected colonies within a block or window that triggers surge response.
Sentinel Sample
A preserved specimen set taken to determine the cause of collapse.
Responsibilities
Apiary Husbandry Lead (Owner)
Owns the procedure, declares activation, and directs the surge response.
Apiary Technician
Executes isolation, sampling, and stabilisation under direction.
Apiary Health Officer
Directs diagnostic sampling and coordinates with biosecurity on findings.
Procedure
Activation
- Confirm affected colony count against the activation threshold.
- Declare a surge and mobilise the response team.
- Cordon affected blocks to limit movement of equipment and staff.
Containment & Sampling
- Isolate collapsing colonies and close entrances to prevent robbing.
- Collect sentinel samples of bees, brood, and stores for diagnosis.
- Preserve and label samples with block, colony, and time.
- Segregate exposed equipment for decontamination.
Stabilisation
- Assess surviving colonies and consolidate weak units.
- Apply supportive feeding and treatment per the health officer.
- Record the event, findings, and disposition before stand-down.
PPE & Controls
Bee suit and veilDisposable overboots between blocksSample handling gloves
Records Generated
- Surge activation and timeline log
- Sentinel sample manifest
- Colony disposition record
References
- Apiary Grid Husbandry & Colony Inspection
- Specimen Accession & Biosecurity Quarantine
- Queen-Rearing & Grafting
Revision History
| Rev | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| B | 2091-03-12 | Added equipment segregation and robbing-prevention steps. |
| C | 2091-05-18 | Clarified activation threshold and sample labelling requirements. |