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• Aphid Bulletins 2021
• Aphid Bulletins 2020
• Aphid Bulletins 2019
• Aphid Bulletins 2018
• Aphid Bulletins 2017
• Aphid Bulletin Archive

 

The 'Scottish Aphid Bulletin' consists of a table of 21 species, mostly species of major economic significance, and a second table listing all the other 'non-bulletin' aphids caught during the week. 

SASA currently operates four suction traps located at Inverness, Ayr, Dundee and at SASA's headquarters at Gogarbank on the west side of Edinburgh. Data from each of these traps are presented as totals for the duration of each report. Only the traps at Edinburgh and Dundee are identified in 'real time' so are presented as cumulative totals and compared to previous years.

Three additional columns of data are also presented under the title of 'Cumulative Totals'. The first presents the total catch from the two traps (Edinburgh and Dundee) for the current year, up to and including the period covered by the report. The second column provides the yearly catch of aphids for the equivalent period during the previous year, i.e. 2020. The final column provides the mean cumulative catch of aphids over the same period during the previous 10 years, i.e. 2011-2020. Presenting the data in this way enables the current year's catch of any species to be viewed in the context of data from both the previous year and an average year. As the last column presents an arithmetic mean, this figure is strongly influenced by those years when the total for that particular species of aphid has been high. 

In November 2000, the historic Elgin trap ceased operation due to the sale of the site. A new Elgin trap was erected approximately 4 kilometres from the old Elgin site. This trap started collecting aphids on 16 May 2002, and discontinued in October 2016. A permanent home for the northern trap has now been identified at Knocknagael Stud Farm, Inverness. This trap started running on 18 April 2019,has been added to the bulletin and will be added to cumulative totals in due course. 

At the end of 2005, the Edinburgh trap ceased operation at the East Craigs site. It was replaced by the Gogarbank trap located 3 kilometres to the south-west of East Craigs.  The 10-year averages for Edinburgh now consist entirely of data from the new trap.

Due to time restraints, data from the Ayr trap will not be included in the Scottish aphid bulletin cumulative totals during 2021. The trap experienced some technical difficulties during 2020 which could not be rectified due to travel restrictions in place; we aim to have this trap running again in June 2021 and hope to be able to identify catches from it in real time during summer 2021 as time allows.

SASA is extremely grateful to the organisations where the traps are sited and to the staff who collect the samples. If you require any further information, or wish to use the contents of the Scottish Aphid Bulletins in any way, please email the Zoology team.

 

Early season aphid activity in 2021

Prolonged exposure to low winter temperatures is known to have lethal and sub-lethal effects on populations of Myzus persicae which, in Scotland, overwinters as larvae or apterous adults. Poor over-winter survival delays the build-up of populations of this species in the forthcoming growing season. Prior to 2011, SASA had used the mean temperature for January and February to predict when M. persicae will become active in the summer. In 2011, following an extremely cold December in 2010, SASA predicted aphid activity based on the mean temperatures during the three-month period of December – February. We intend to continue to use the model based on this three-month period, which explains the slight difference to the dates published by Rothamsted who use Jan/Feb mean temperatures.

During winter 2020-21, the mean temperatures were below the mean over the last 50 years:  3.46°C at SASA (Edinburgh; mean = 4.0°C) and 3.12°C at JHI (Dundee; mean = 3.7°C).  These winter temperatures rank the 37th warmest from the last 53 years at Edinburgh and the 39th warmest from the last 55 years at Dundee.  Based on these figures, the prediction for the first flight of M. persicae is 23 June at Edinburgh (average date of first catch is 14 June) with 75% confidence limits of 2 June and 13 July.  The prediction for the first flight of M. persicae is 26 June at Dundee (average date of first catch is 13 June).  Therefore, based on the Edinburgh met data, M. persicae activity in 2021 is expected to commence around 2 weeks later than in an average summer, and around 4 weeks later than in 2020.

NB. Following the closure of Higgins, the Elgin suction trap did not operate in either 2017 or 2018. A new suction trap site at the Scottish Government Farm at Knocknagael, south of Inverness was operational through 2019. It is still a little early to assess how to best utilise these data.

In 2020, the first M. persicae at Edinburgh was recorded on 28 May, 17 days earlier than the average date of first catch and 4 days later than predicted. The first M. persicae at Dundee was recorded on 16 June, 2 days later than the average date and 13 days later than predicted. The first arrival date for Edinburgh and Dundee were within the 75% confidence limits of predictions.

The predictions for the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae, the rose-grain aphid Metopolophium dirhodum and the grain aphid Sitobion avenae are provided by Rothamsted Research and AHDB (found at https://ahdb.org.uk/aphid-forecasts) and are based on mean temperatures over January and February 2021 (Table 1).

Table 1

	2021 Prediction	75% Confidence Limits	2020 Obs'n	2021 Obs'n
Edinburgh
Myzus persicae	23 June	2 June – 13 July	28 May	27 June
Macrosiphum euphorbiae	-	10 May – 23 June	20 May	30 May
Metopolophium dirhodum	-	8 May - 26 June	4 May	12 June
Sitobion avenae	-	19 May - 28 June	28 May	19 May
Dundee
Myzus persicae	26 June	31 May - 22 July	16 June	24-26 May
Macrosiphum euphorbiae	-	*	25 May	21 June
Metopolophium dirhodum	-	*	4 May	27 May
Sitobion avenae	-	*	26 May	4 June

* - awaiting met data for this site

The colder than average temperatures over 2020-21 winter, indicate that the first flights of M. persicae should be 2-3 weeks later than on average.  Based on the AHDB/Rothamsted predictions, other important vector species are also expected to fly later than usual. Consequently, population levels have less potential to develop to levels that could threaten the virus health of seed crops.  The prediction for the total of M. persicae caught by 31 July is 12 at Dundee and 11 at Edinburgh.  The 75% confidence intervals for these predictions are between 2 and 41.  

Therefore, populations of M. persicae are unlikely to be high during the growing season for potatoes in 2021.  As a result, despite the increase in the PLRV inoculum observed during 2020, there is no major risk of extensive leaf roll transmission in potato crops in 2021, presenting a risk for the 2022 crop.   

 

 

From midsummer onwards, the catches of cereal aphids in the suction traps usually dominate the Scottish aphid bulletin and significantly affect the index that is used to estimate the vector pressure for aphid-transmitted potato viruses. Three species, the Rose-Grain aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum), the Grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and the Bird Cherry-Oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), are known to be vectors of non-persistently transmitted potato viruses (e.g. PVY) and because they can occur in high numbers in the suction traps, each individual species can make a relatively high contribution to the overall aphid vector pressure index. SASA have conducted field trials that support the role of cereal aphids, particularly the Rose-Grain aphid and the Grain aphid, in virus transmission.

As would be expected, cereal aphids are also important pests of cereal crops, causing direct damage by feeding on crops and through the transmission of viruses such as barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).

Cereal aphids and PVY transmission in 2020

During 2020, all four dominant species of cereal aphids were caught in below average numbers in the Scottish suction traps. For the period when most virus transmission is believed to occur (before July 31), the catches of the Rose-Grain aphid ranked 27th out of the last 32 years, the Bird-Cherry Oat aphid ranked 28th and the Grain Aphid ranked 23rd. These are the three species most strongly associated with the transmission of the most prevalent potato virus (PVY) in Scotland.

It is anticipated that the incidence of plants showing mosaic symptoms in 2021 will be at a lower level compared to what was observed in 2020.  A balanced approach to the management of non-persistent viruses and their vectors should be adequate based on the information currently available for the 2021 summer.

Potato varieties that have been revealed by virus testing of leaf samples collected during classification inspections as particularly prone to the acquisition of PVY include King Edward, Harmony, Shepody, Maris Peer and Nicola.

Cereal aphids in 2021

The first cereal aphids of 2021 were caught in the Scottish traps on the week ending 23rd May, with the omission of the Rose-Grain aphid which started a week later. 

As the Inverness trap only started trapping in April 2019, we currently report on Edinburgh and Dundee catches only.

Please note that the graphs below represent actual numbers of aphids caught in these two east coast suction traps using a log scale. Viewing population data on a log scale makes it easier to spot subtle changes in numbers when comparing data to the large number of aphids caught in previous seasons.

Rose-Grain aphid in 2021

The first two Rose-Grain aphids (Metopolophium dirhodum) were caught in the Dundee suction trap on 27 May. After a slow start the summer migration appears to have commenced, with cumulative total until 11 July rising to 246, now ranking 22nd over the last 34 years of trapping. This is the one to watch for the next two weeks. 

Grain aphids in 2021

A total of 43 Grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) has been caught in Dundee and Edinburgh to 11 July, ranking 29th from the last 34 years of monitoring. This first individual was recorded at Edinburgh on the 19th May. 

Bird Cherry-Oat aphid in 2021

A total of 63 Bird Oat-Cherry aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi) were caught in the Dundee and Edinburgh suction traps to 11 July. The total catch for this species now ranks 27th over the last 34 years.

Apple-Grass aphid in 2021

A total of 389 Apple-Grass aphids (Rhopalosiphum oxyacanthae) were caught in Dundee and Edinburgh to 11 July, ranking 5th over the last 34 years. 14% of individuals were caught at Dundee, 86% at Edinburgh. 

The Peach-Potato aphid Myzus persicae has traditionally been considered as the most important aphid vector of potato viruses. However, in Scotland, Peach-Potato aphids generally fly later and in far lower numbers than in warmer countries and their relative scarcity generally makes this species less of a concern to potato growers.  In some years, usually following a particularly mild winter, Peach-Potato aphids can present a very high risk of virus transmission, particularly Leaf Roll, within the Scottish seed potato crop.

Prolonged exposure to low winter temperatures are known to have lethal and sub-lethal effects on populations of M. persicae which, in Scotland, overwinter as larvae or apterous adults.  Poor over-winter survival delays the build-up of populations of this species in the forthcoming growing season.  Prior to 2011, SASA had used the mean temperatures for January and February to predict when M. persicae will become active in the summer.  In 2011, following an extremely cold December 2010, SASA predicted aphid activity based on the mean temperatures during the three-month period of December-February.  We intend to continue to use the model based on the 3-month period, which explains the slightly different approach taken by Rothamsted who still use Jan/Feb mean temperatures. 

First flight predictions

During winter 2020-21, the mean temperatures were below the mean over the last 50 years:  3.46°C at SASA (Edinburgh; mean = 4.0°C) and 3.12°C at JHI (Dundee; mean = 3.7°C).  These winter temperatures rank the 37th warmest from the last 53 years at Edinburgh and the 39th warmest from the last 55 years at Dundee.  Based on these figures, the prediction for the first flight of M. persicae is 23 June at Edinburgh (average date of first catch is 14 June) with 75% confidence limits of 2 June and 13 July.  The prediction for the first flight of M. persicae is 26 June at Dundee (average date of first catch is 13 June).  Therefore, based on the Edinburgh met data, M. persicae activity in 2021 is expected to commence around 2 weeks later than in an average summer, and around 4 weeks later than in 2020.

The colder than average temperatures over 2020-21 winter indicate that the first flights of M. persicae should be 2-3 weeks later than on average.  Based on the AHDB/Rothamsted predictions, other important vector species are also expected to fly later than usual. Consequently, population levels have less potential to develop to levels that could threaten the virus health of seed crops.  The prediction for the total of M. persicae caught by 31 July is 12 at Dundee and 11 at Edinburgh.  The 75% confidence intervals for these predictions are between 2 and 41.  Therefore, populations of M. persicae are unlikely to be high during the growing season for potatoes in 2021.  Therefore, despite the increase in the PLRV inoculum observed during 2020, there is no major risk of extensive leaf roll transmission in potato crops in 2021, presenting a risk for the 2022 crop.   

Table

M. persicae	Dundee	Edinburgh
First catch in 2021	24-26 May	27 June
1st catch prediction 2021	26 June	23 June
Mean date of first Catch	13 June	14 June
Total catch to 11 July 2021	7	2
Predicted catch to 31 July 2021	12	11
Mean catch to 31 July	44	35

5% catch predictions – refined to a local scale.

A recent collaboration between scientists in the Met Office’s Vegetation-Climate Interactions group, the Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS), University of Warwick, Defra and SASA allow further resolution of Myzus persicae activity predictions in Scotland and the rest of the U.K. 

The maps below display the estimated date on which the first 5% of the annual flight of M. persicae will have occurred, using at 1km² resolution across Scotland. As few M. persicae are caught in Scotland compared to the rest of the U.K., this correlates well with the ‘first catch’ in Scotland but it is worth noting that this is a different measurement, so ‘first flights’ and 5% will be different in areas where a larger number of individuals are caught. 

As with first flight predictions there are observable differences between 2020 and 2021 due to the ‘higher than average’ winter temperatures during 2019-20 and the ‘lower than average’ winter temperatures in 2020-21.  By using the HadUK-Grid dataset climate scientists can refine predictions to a more local scale which may be of particular use to growers. Note that factors such as land use and availability of host plants are not used in this predictive model. 

Peach-Potato aphids in Scotland in 2021

Nine Peach-Potato aphids have been caught to 11 July, ranking 22nd when compared to the last 34 years.

This first individual was caught in Dundee on 24-26th May (this was a combined catch due to mechanical issues). This is more than four weeks earlier than predicted, and outwith 75% confidence limits. There is limited evidence of in-field aphid activity around Dundee associated with this finding and it is hoped that this individual is an unusual 'outlier'. The second individual in Dundee was caught on 3 July (7 days after the predicted first flight at this site) and the first individuals caught in Edinburgh were caught on 27 June, four days later than predicted and well within the 75% confidence limits.   

Note the use of a logarithmic scale to allow better visualisation of lower values following years of high peaks (such as 2019).

 

 

The Potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae is often the most numerous of the five or six species of aphids that regularly colonize potato crops in Scotland. It is also a potential aphid vector of non-persistent potato viruses (e.g. PVY, PVA).

As with Peach-Potato aphids Myzus persicae, early season predictions made following the 2020-21 winter indicated that Potato aphid flights should be earlier than in an average year.  Therefore, total catches of Potato aphids may be relatively high and consequently the risk of virus transmission within potato crops colonised by Potato aphids have the potential to be higher than average. However, environmental conditions over the early summer do influence population development, and growers should monitor how the populations of this species develop over the season.

Table

M. euphorbiae	Dundee	Edinburgh
First catch 2021	21 June	30 May
First catch prediction 2021 (75% confidence limits)	-	10 May - 23 June
Mean date of first catch	1 June	24 May
Total catch to 11 July 2021	9	20
Predicted catch to 31 July 2021	N/A	N/A
Mean catch to 31 July	73	57

Potato aphids in 2021

29 Potato aphids have been caught up to 11th July, ranking 25th from the previous 34 years. The first individual of this species was caught at Edinburgh on 30 May. This is 10 days later than in 2020, and within 75% confidence limits. 

Inspection of the 2020 Scottish seed potato crop revealed an incidence of crops containing virus affected plants of 22.7% of the total area entered for classification (slightly down from 23.7% in 2019).  

The incidence of crops containing mosaic symptoms (i.e. excluding leaf roll) decreased to 18.3% from 21.0% in 2019.  Within this 18.3%, the incidence of crops containing plants affected by PVYN was 16.7% (19.0% in 2019) and PVYO was 0.9% (1.3% in 2019).  In March 2020, we had predicted that the overall incidence of crops containing PVY would decrease from 19.9% to 16.2% in 2020, based on catches of cereal aphids from just the Dundee and Edinburgh suction traps, using the three most abundant cereal aphids which have been most closely linked with PVY transmission in Scotland.  The overall PVY incidence observed in 2020 was slightly higher at 17.5%.  A revised model based on 6 species of aphids, predicts that the levels of PVY observed in the last two seasons will decline to around presence of infected plants in 12% of the 2021 Scottish seed crop.

The incidence of crops found to contain leaf roll infected plants increased from 1.7% in 2019 to 4.4% in 2020.  Fortunately, the predicted populations of peach-potato aphids did not materialise, and leaf roll is not predicted to increase in 2021.  The relationship described by a model based on aphid data before the introduction of aphid monitoring in 1992 can no longer be used.  Instead a model based on more recent data and showing a much weaker relationship, suggests that leaf roll will decline to 3.5% of crops in 2021.

The colder than average temperatures over 2020-21 winter, indicate that the first flights of M. persicae should be 2-3 weeks later than on average.  Consequently, population levels have less potential to develop to levels that could threaten the virus health of seed crops.  Going into the 2021 season, virus inoculum levels for both PVY and PLRV are higher than usual, so effective management of the source of inoculum should be a priority.  A balanced approach to the management of both leaf roll and non-persistent viruses and their vectors should be adequate based on the information currently available for the 2021 summer. 

Introduction and Biosecurity

Adult honey bees can suffer from a number of pests and diseases, and in some instances these can cause the affected colony to weaken and die.

In cases of colony loss, we would always recommend that a beekeeper carries out a basic hive ‘post mortem’. This should involve checking for common issues such as queen problems, starvation and Varroa control. 

Should the reason for the colony loss remain unclear after this examination, SASA offers a limited service where a sample of adult bees is examined for the presence of Acarine mites, Nosema and evidence of Varroa damage. Whilst the results of these tests often provide no further reason for colony loss to the beekeeper the information gathered from these samples allows us to monitor for trends in native pests and diseases, and to check for new threats to Scottish beekeeping. In any instance where colony loss remains undetermined or a transmissible pathogen such as Nosema, chalkbrood or virus is identified/suspected, it is recommended that equipment is sterilised and potentially contaminated material (such as comb) removed. Further information on hive cleaning and sterilising can be found on the national bee unit website.

Submitting a sample for analysis

The adult bees sampled should be as fresh as possible, contain a minimum of 30 bees, and be packaged in a crush resistant container, preferably cardboard. If a plastic container is used, then the bees should be wrapped in kitchen paper to prevent them degrading in transit.

Samples should be clearly labelled with the hive identifier and sent to "Bee Diseases" at the address in the ‘contact us’ box on the right of the screen. Please remember to include your own contact details for reporting of results and any information pertinent to the analysis. This may include the strength of the colony, management and treatment, and any unusual symptoms noted prior to the loss.

Advice without submitting a sample

Alternatively, you can get in touch with Scotland’s Apiculture Advisor Graeme Sharpe, SRUC, who may be able determine the reason for the colony loss based on the colony symptoms and hive management history. Graeme can be contacted at Graeme.Sharpe@sruc.ac.uk  - try to include as many details as possible:

• Contact details: name, phone number, BeeBase ID, Email address, postal address.
• Details of operation: number of hives / apiaries
• Full description of symptoms
• Digital photos (phone / camera ) if possible.
• Colony strength
• Management prior to the colony loss (or reported symptoms).

Further information on pests and diseases of honey bees

Additional information on pests and diseases affecting adult honey bees can be found in the advisory leaflet ‘Common Pests, Diseases and Disorders of the Adult Honey Bee’ on the [BeeBase] website.

Background

The key requirements for imports from EU member states and the rest of the world are: 

1.  You must notify all imports in advance via the IPAFFS system. Information about the system and details regarding how to register are available by clicking on the link.

2.  You must ensure that consignments from EU member states and the rest of the world are accompanied by a health certificate which has been obtained from the relevant competent authority; 

3.  Points of entry: 

• imports from countries other than EU member states must enter via a border control point. 
• until March 2022 imports from EU member states will be checked at destination on a risk basis.
• after March 2022 imports from EU member states must enter via a border control point. 

4.  You cannot import packages or colonies of bees from any country other than New Zealand.

5.  Only queen honey bees accompanied by up to 20 attendants can be imported into GB from the EU and any other third country, except New Zealand.

For full information on importing bees into Scotland, please see the following guidance. 

If you have any queries about the import requirements for honey bees, please contact the Bees Mailbox. 

Post Import Controls

These controls are aimed at reducing the risk of the introduction and spread of exotic bee pests, in particular Small hive beetle and Tropilealaps mite (which are notifiable in the UK). When you receive a consignment of imported honey bees you must: 

1. Transfer the queens to new queen cages before they are introduced to any local colonies 

2. Send the original cages, attendant worker bees and other material that accompanied the queen bees from their country of origin to SASA within 5 days of receipt for examination for the presence of the Small Hive Beetle and Tropilaelaps mite.

How to send a sample

Following removal of the queen, all queen cages and attendant bees should be contained within a sealable plastic bag and (where possible) stored in a freezer overnight, or until ready to post. Please retain the material in this sealed bag, package it securely in a rigid box, and send to the below address, along with your contact details and the CHED reference number (found on part I of the CHED form.  

Bee Health – Imports
SASA
Roddinglaw Road
Edinburgh
EH12 9FJ

 

Introduction

Since its first discovery in England in 1992 the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, has spread to infest colonies of honey bees throughout the UK. It has caused massive economic losses and expense for beekeepers, and its destructive power is evident from the huge number of colonies lost since it first arrived in Europe. Varroa management has now become a routine and essential part of bee husbandry.

In Scotland, some remote areas remain free from this damaging bee pest. To support these areas of varroa freedom, SASA offers a varroa screening service based on samples of floor debris or hive inserts (the natural drop method of monitoring).

Submitting a sample for analysis

Samples should be clearly labelled with the hive identifier and sent to "Bee Diseases" at the address in the ‘contact us’ box on the right of the screen. Please remember to include your own contact details for reporting of results.

Further Information

Further information on the varroa mite, its management, and how to interpret your results is available in the excellent ‘Varroa Management’ leaflet available on the [BeeBase] website

Advances in molecular biology made in the mid 1970s enable the genetic material of an organism (either DNA or RNA) to be altered using methods that do not occur in nature. These alterations are known as genetic modification (GM) and plants, animals or microbes resulting from such modifications are known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GM covers a variety of techniques which have been applied worldwide in human and veterinary medicine, horticulture, agriculture, biotechnology and for research purposes.

GM raises important safety issues for human health and protection of the environment. European, Scottish and UK GM legislation requires that these are addressed at every stage of a GMO’s (or GMO product’s) development, starting in the laboratory through to commercial production (see the GM Regulatory Framework page).

GMOs are primarily regulated through EU legislation with supporting UK and Scottish legislation. 

For detailed information, see the Genetic Modification (GM) Legislation page on the gov.scot website.

All work involving GMOs is regulated. Work carried out in laboratories, glass houses or which is otherwise contained, where there is no release into the environment, is considered ‘contained use’ work. The HSE is responsible for assessing risk to human health of all work involving the contained use of GMOs in the UK. The GM team at SASA and scientific experts from other Scottish-based organisations provide advice about the environmental risk of contained use GMO work to be carried out in Scotland. For more information on working with GMOs in a contained way and how to notify your work, or apply for consent see the HSE webpage.  

Consents for releasing GMOs into the environment for research purposes are granted on a case by case basis by Scottish Ministers. A detailed risk assessment must be submitted to the GM team at SASA, and is considered by ACRE (Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment). ACRE comprises independent scientific experts who advise on the risks to human health and the environment from the release of GMOs. Scottish Ministers also take advice from SASA, the Health and Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage as appropriate. Consents set out the conditions and limitations governing releases.  

Consents for releasing GMOs for commercial reasons are granted at the EU level and are effective throughout the EU. The EU legislation has recently been amended to allow member states to opt-out or ban GM cultivation on their territory. This legislation allows member states and regions to ban biotech crops for reasons other than the risks to health and the environment assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Compliance with the above regulations is established by official inspection. Non-compliance with consent conditions can lead to enforcement action including forwarding cases to the Procurator Fiscal Service where necessary. SASA has taken responsibility for the inspection and enforcement of the deliberate release and marketing of GMOs (principally crops plants) in Scotland since May 2000.  For England and Wales, GM inspection and enforcement services for the deliberate release of GMOs are provided for Defra by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Allied to the GMO regulations are traceability and labeling rules, 1830/2003/EC, which include a threshold of 0.9%, above which the adventitious (accidental) presence of material from an EU authorised GMO in a non-GM product triggers traceability and labelling of the product. Enforcement of these regulations (1829/2003 and 1830/2003) in Scotland is the responsibility of Local Authority Environmental Health (food) or Trading Standards (feed) Departments.

EU legislation on seeds (notably Directive 2002/53/EC on the Common Catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species and 2002/55/EC on the marketing of vegetable seed) requires national authorities that have agreed to the marketing of seed of a certain variety on their territory to notify the acceptance of the variety to the European Commission. Seed legislation also requires that genetically modified varieties must be authorised in accordance with EU Directive 2001/18/EC amendment 2018/350 before they are included in the Common Catalogue and marketed in the EU.

 

GM Team

The GM Team provide advice and technical support to Scottish Government colleagues and participates in UK committees on experimental deliberate release and contained use of GMOs (SACGM and ACRE). They also administer and provide assessors for applications for the Contained Use of GMOs in Scotland. They are full members of ENGL (the European Network of GMO Laboratories) providing input into EU level GM technical documentation, and also through ENGL, other international technical documentation such as ISO standards. They provide analytical testing to support enforcement activities, and also strategic development and improvement of molecular methods for use in GMO testing.

GM Inspectorate 

Scottish Government GM inspectors are appointed under Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The work is in support of the CAP Reform and Crop Policy Branch of the Rural and Environment Directorate who are Scotland’s Competent Authority for the regulation of the deliberate release of GMO’s under EC Directive 2001/18.

For details of the GM legislation that inspectors work to see the GM Regulatory Framework page.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)  is authorised by Defra to carry out equivalent inspection and enforcement services in England. SASA liaises closely with the GM Inspectorate in APHA, particularly in sharing information about seed material that crosses borders for production or marketing, and incidents that are common to both England and Scotland. Northern Ireland and Wales have separate arrangements.

Deliberate release of GMOs for research purposes are authorised under Part B of the Deliberate Release into the Environment of GMOs Directive, 2001/18/EC amendment 2018/350. These are small scale releases carried out under tight control. Many research releases involve trials of GM crops in field plots but, increasingly, research releases can include medical trials of GM pharmaceuticals such as vaccines administered under controlled conditions in hospitals and clinics. Consents for releasing GMOs into the environment for research purposes are granted on a case by case basis by Scottish Ministers. A detailed risk assessment must be submitted to the GM Team at SASA, and is considered by ACRE (Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment).

Brief outline of application process for research releases:

• Contact the GM Team at SASA to discuss the proposed submission & check the fee details.
• Submit the dossier and payment to SASA.
• Discuss any claims for confidential information prior to uploading to the public register (must be completed within 12 days of the submission of the application).
• Under the guidance of SASA, submit newspaper advert to a relevant publication.
• Public comments are welcome for 60 days after the submission of the application.
• ACRE will meet to discuss the application and consider representations from the public. ACRE will provide final advice to Scottish Ministers.
• Scottish Ministers will decide if the trial may proceed or not.

This is a brief outline of the process, for more detailed information please contact the GM Team at SASA.
 

This page provides links to websites relating to the regulation of GM crop plants

Competent Authority for Deliberate Release to the Scottish Environment
CAP, GM and Agriculture Climate Change Branch
Scottish Government, Agriculture and Food Division
D Spur
Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh EH11 3XD
Telephone: 0131 244 9503

UK Lead Territorial Competant Authority for Deliberate Release
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
GM Policy, Science and Regulation Unit
Area 3B, Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR

Government GM web sites
Scottish Government – Genetic Modification 
Defra GM (Genetic Modification) (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Government Advisory committees
Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE)
Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (Contained Use (SACGM)
SACGM Compendium of Guidance
Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP)

Other public bodies/Agencies
Food Standards Scotland 
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
APHA GM Inspectorate (the English GM Inspectorate)

Legislation
Directive 2001/18/EC the European directive covering GM releases to the environment and amendment 2018/350
Directive (EU) 2015/412 amending Directive 2001/18/EC as regards the possibility for the Member States to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs in their territory
The Environmental Protection Act (1990) 
The Genetically Modified (Deliberate Release) (Scotland) Regulations 2002
The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014

International bodies
ENGL European Network of GM Laboratories
ISTA GMO Proficiency Tests (International Seed Testing Association)

GMOs authorised for Deliberate release in the EU for marketing and import
GMO Register

Application and consent process for research purposes in the UK
Genetically Modified Organisms: Applications and Consents

Information on how to go about reporting pesticide incidents

Animals (Wildlife & Pets)

Incidents of suspected poisoning of animals in Scotland involving;

• Wild birds and mammals
• Companion animals (pets, working animals)
• Livestock
• Bees and other pollinators ie beneficial insects
  • Suspected baits/suspicious substances

should be notified as soon as possible to WIIS-Scotland.

Contact Points
 

• WIIS free phone number (0800 321 600).  This number is linked to SASA during working hours and out-of-hours mesages can be recorded.  Alternatively, email us at wiis-scotland@sasa.gov.scot
• Scottish Government Rural Payments & Inspections Division (RPID) - Area Office
• Police Scotland Wildlife Crime Liaison Officers
• If you feel that you would rather remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Samples may be submitted to the scheme via

• the local veterinary service of SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, a division of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
• submission by officials from the nearest Scottish Government Rural Payments & Inspections Division (RPID) Area Office 
• submissions from Police Scotland Wildlife Crime Liaison Officers 
• your Veterinary Practice who can also refer the carcase or relevant samples to the local office of SAC Consulting Veterinary Services
• direct submission to the SASA laboratory

Useful Links

The Health and Safety Executive's Chemicals Regulations Division provides information on pesticides, biocides and WIIS UK.

Environmental contamination incidents in Scotland should be reported to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60.

General information on reporting other types of pesticide incidents is available from HSE. 

Covering post mortem examinations and pesticide analysis

Post Mortem Examination

Post mortem examinations are undertaken by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, a division of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), and are an essential element of the investigation. Other causes of death that may be unrelated to possible exposure to a pesticide can be identified, eliminating the requirement for analysis. Alternatively evidence consistent with poisoning being the cause of death may be gained, and appropriate tissue samples taken for analysis

Pesticide Analysis

Field information is used together with the findings of the post mortem examination to determine the extent of any analytical investigation. Analytical techniques and equipment capable of identifying low levels of pesticides considered to present possible hazards to vertebrates or beneficial insects are employed. Multi-residue methods are employed where possible. Three methods are routinely used: covering a range of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides; anticoagulant rodenticides; chloralose, metaldehyde and strychnine. These are supplemented by compound-specific analytical methods as necessary. Residues identified are subject to rigorous confirmation criteria for acceptance. The laboratory operates to an internal quality system accredited to the ISO 17025 standard for testing laboratories by UKAS, with some of the above methods included in the scope of accreditation.

Our accreditation is limited to those activities described on our UKAS schedule of accreditation, see our [QA page].

How SASA reports on incidents and what follow-up action might be taken

Field information and residue data are assessed, and where possible incidents of poisoning attributed to one of the following categories of use:

Approved use

Misuse

Abuse

Background

Veterinary use

Unspecified use

View more information about these categories on the WIIS Quarterly Reports page.

At the conclusion of each investigation, an individual incident report is issued to the person who initiated the incident and to partner organisations which participated in the investigation.

WIIS database

A database of incident information (1972 onwards) is maintained, and can be interrogated to provide information required by the Scottish Government and to service requests from other parties.

Requests for information should be directed to wiis-scotland@sasa.gov.scot.

Regulatory Action

Details of incidents where pesticides poisoning has been shown to be the cause are forwarded to the UK regulatory body, Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD). The data are included in annual reports on the poisoning of animals by pesticides, published by the Environmental Panel of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. In addition CRD selectively request information from the WIIS database (1972 onwards) to support the ongoing approvals review process.

Enforcement Action

Incidents involving the suspected deliberate abuse of pesticides are actively pursued by Police Scotland supported by Scottish Government Rural Payments & Inspections Division (RPID) Staff and other partner organisations, with a view to eventual prosecution.

Information on pesticide legislation can be found on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website through the link in the Related Links box on the right of the screen.

View WIIS Quarterly Reports

The results of incidents involving pesticides have, until now, been published quarterly in January, April, July and October.  It is now our intention that the results of all incidents reported to SASA will be available in a searchable spreadsheet which will still be published quarterly.  However, due to the nature of some incidents and the investigations relating to these it may be necessary to limit the information published.  We will publish updates to such cases as further information becomes available.  This new reporting format will replace SASA publication of the annual Pesticide Poisoning of Animals Report – A Report of Investigations in Scotland.

To make the information clearer all reported incidents will now identify whether the pesticides found in an incident were the principle cause of the incident or present at background or trace levels only.  The information will be presented as follows: 

Pesticide involved: An investigation into the circumstances of the case concluded that these pesticide(s) were the principle cause.

Other Pesticides found: An investigation into the circumstances of the case concluded that these pesticide(s) were present, but were at background or trace levels only.

The categories

From 2013 information regarding the categories will also be clearer and where appropriate provide additional information as it relates to the results.  For example, where the death of an animal is from a cause other than pesticide poisoning and the other cause is known this will be reported under additional information. The categories used to classify pesticide poisoning incidents are:

Approved use: An investigation into the circumstances of the case concluded that the pesticide(s) involved were used in accordance with their conditions of authorisation. Where an animal is involved the cause of death has been established as pesticide poisoning.

Misuse: An investigation into the circumstances of the case concluded that the pesticide(s) involved were not used in accordance with their conditions of authorisation.  The pesticides involved may have been used carelessly or accidently but there was no indication of any intention to deliberately harm wildlife or other animals. Where an animal is involved the cause of death has been established as pesticide poisoning.

Abuse: An investigation into the circumstances of the case concluded that the pesticide(s) involved had been used in breach of their authorisation conditions and that this has been done with the deliberate intent of harming or attempting to harm wildlife or other animals. Where an animal is involved the cause of death has been established as pesticide poisoning.

Unspecified: An investigation into the circumstances of the case could not establish where the pesticide may have come from and therefore if the pesticide(s) involved were used in accordance with their conditions of authorisation; if the pesticide had been misused or whether or not there was a deliberate intention to harm wildlife or other animals. Where an animal is involved the cause of death has been established as pesticide poisoning.

Unknown: The cause of death has not been established as pesticide poisoning; an investigation into the circumstances of the case could not establish a cause of harm or death and found no evidence of the involvement of pesticides.

It is not always possible to establish that pesticides are involved in a case reported under the scheme; this may be because samples are not available for chemical analysis or because the results of analysis are inconclusive.  Where a case is classified as unknown and this was due to a problem with the availability or quality of samples this will be reported under additional information.

Other cause: The cause of death has not been established as pesticide poisoning; an investigation into the circumstances of the case found no evidence of the involvement of pesticides and was able to attribute another probable cause.

Where a case is accepted into the scheme and another cause of death is identified it is less likely that samples will be tested for the full range of chemical analyses, although analysis may still be undertaken in cases where pesticides are strongly suspected.  Where a case is classified as “Other cause” the cause of death will be identified as far as possible and will be reported under additional information. Other causes include trauma (road traffic accidents, shooting, etc.), disease or starvation.

Not applicable: An investigation into the circumstances of the case was not able to establish a link to pesticide use.  No wildlife or other animals were involved and any suspected baits or other samples contained no detectable pesticide residues.

Veterinary use: Where it is established that veterinary products are involved in a case. These cases are not formally included in the WIIS scheme but are recorded as some actives substances in veterinary products are also found in pesticides.  Cases involving veterinary products are categorised separately under the scheme and their use is not classified into abuse, misuse, approved use or unspecified use.

Species or Samples involved:  The species or samples that are collected or identified as involved in the case.  Samples collected and analysed under the scheme include the bodies of wildlife and animals, which may be sent for post mortem and associated tests, tissue and other samples sent for chemical analysis, and samples of baits and suspicious substances.  Samples also include beneficial insects (bees) which may be assessed for disease and analysed for pesticide residues.  All available information, including the result of the analysis of samples, is taken into account in assigning cases to a category.

For results prior to 2013 information will continue to be present in the old format as follows:

Approved use: a pesticide is used in accordance with its conditions of authorisation

Misuse: the product has not been used according to the conditions of its authorisation, but often just carelessly or accidently, without the intention of harming animals

Abuse: a pesticide has been deliberately used in an illegal manner to poison, or to try to poison animals

Background residues: residues of pesticides found but levels are probably not indicative of lethal poisoning

Unspecified use: the cause of death was uncertain or the incident could not be classed as being in one of the other categories

Veterinary products: Incidents arising from veterinary use are not included in the scheme

 

DOC Trap Guidance

Predator Traps Instructions UK (published 10/2/21)

Tully Trap Guidance

Tully Trap Grey Squirrel Baffle Instructions (published 10/2/21)

Trap Guides

SASA Guide to Approved Spring Traps

Spring Trap Approvals

Spring Traps Approval (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020
Spring Traps Approval (Scotland) Amendment Order 2018
Spring Traps Approval (Scotland) Order 2011

Wildlife Management Research on Goodnature traps

Hedgehog interactions with the Goodnature trap

 

 

 

Please submit the following details to info@sears.scotland.gov.uk:

• Location, including a description and grid reference if possible
• Date
• Time
• Numbers of adult and young boar seen
• Any additional information that may be of use. 

If you are happy to be contacted back, please provide your name and contact details.  If not, please write "DO NOT CONTACT".  

This reporting service is not operated by SASA but will forward the information you provide to the relevant bodies such as NatureScot (SNH).

Other useful links:

• Wild boar best practice guidelines
• Wild boar sightings in England and Wales
• SASA wild boar distribution in Scotland poster 2010

The following links are hosted on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility using data from a number of sources: