European Foulbrood (EFB)
European Foulbrood (EFB) is a bacterial disease of honey bee larvae, caused by Melissococcus plutonius. EFB is less virulent than American Foulbrood (AFB) but can still significantly weaken colonies and reduce honey production. EFB primarily affects young larvae before cells are capped. Infected larvae appear discolored, melted, and twisted in the cell, but typically do not exhibit the 'ropy' texture of AFB. EFB is considered a stress-related disease and is often associated with poor environmental conditions or colony stress factors. Diagnosis is based on visual inspection of larvae and can be confirmed by laboratory analysis. EFB is generally more manageable than AFB, and colonies can sometimes recover with supportive management practices. However, severe cases may require intervention to prevent colony decline.
- Requeening2
Requeening, or replacing the queen bee, can be a beneficial strategy for managing European Foulbrood (EFB). EFB is often linked to colony stress and genetic susceptibility. Introducing a new queen, especially from hygienic stock, can improve the colony's overall health and resistance to EFB.…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Queen cage, hive tool
- Shaking bees to new equipment3
Shaking bees to new equipment is a management strategy for European Foulbrood (EFB) that is more effective than for AFB because EFB spores are less persistent in the hive environment. Similar to AFB shaking, this involves transferring bees from EFB-infected hives to new, clean equipment. The old…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ New hive boxes and frames, hive tool
- Antibiotic treatment (Terramycin)3
Terramycin (oxytetracycline) is an antibiotic that can be used to treat European Foulbrood (EFB), particularly in milder cases or to prevent secondary infections. Terramycin is more effective against EFB than AFB because EFB bacteria are in the vegetative state and more susceptible to antibiotics.…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Syringe or measuring device, Terramycin