American Foulbrood (AFB)
American Foulbrood (AFB) is a highly contagious and lethal bacterial disease of honey bee brood, caused by Paenibacillus larvae spores. AFB is considered one of the most serious honey bee diseases globally and is often subject to regulatory control. AFB spores are extremely resilient and can survive for decades in hive equipment and honey. Infected larvae exhibit a characteristic 'ropy' appearance and foul odor. Diagnosis often involves field tests like the 'rope test' and laboratory confirmation. AFB is spread through contaminated honey, equipment, and drifting bees. Control measures are drastic due to its highly contagious nature and spore persistence. Early detection and prompt action are critical to prevent widespread outbreaks. AFB can devastate apiaries and requires stringent management practices.
- Burning infected hive5
Burning the entire infected hive is often the recommended and most effective solution for American Foulbrood (AFB). Due to the extreme persistence of AFB spores and its high contagiousness, burning eliminates the source of infection and prevents further spread. This method includes burning all hive…
📌 professional_service4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Protective gear, fuel, shovel
- Antibiotic treatment (Terramycin)2
Terramycin (oxytetracycline) is an antibiotic that can be used to suppress the vegetative stage of American Foulbrood (AFB) bacteria. However, it does not eliminate AFB spores, and therefore, is not a cure. Terramycin treatment can mask AFB symptoms and allow infected colonies to appear healthy,…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Syringe or measuring device, Terramycin
- Shaking bees to new equipment1
Shaking bees onto new equipment is a labor-intensive method sometimes attempted for American Foulbrood (AFB) management, although it is not reliably effective and carries significant risks. This method involves shaking all bees from an AFB-infected hive into new, clean hive equipment (boxes and…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ New hive boxes and frames, hive tool