Invasive Africanized honeybees have been confirmed in Northeast Alabama’s Jackson County, about 20 miles Southwest of Chattanooga, according to state agriculture officials.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has confirmed the presence of Africanized honeybees in feral swarms collected by local beekeepers in Jackson County and St. Clair County near Birmingham, according to a news release from the state agency. The Africanized bees have been euthanized, officials said.
Alabama agriculture officials are taking swift action to mitigate any risks associated with the invasive species of bees, state officials said. Traps are being set up within a 5-mile radius of the detection sites to capture and identify any further presence of the unwanted species to assess the extent of Africanized bee infiltration and prevent future attacks.
Additionally, officials are reaching out to all beekeepers in the vicinity of the positive finds in Jackson and St. Clair counties, officials said. Beekeepers have been advised on the identification and management of the problem bees and are encouraged to report any suspicious bee activity. State officials will collect samples as needed to monitor the situation.