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.
- Requeening with hygienic stock2
Replace the existing queen with a new queen bred from hygienic stock to strengthen the colony's natural defense against European Foulbrood. EFB outbreaks are strongly linked to colony stress and genetic susceptibility, so introducing superior genetics directly addresses a root cause of the disease.
📌 best practice📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Queen cage, hive tool, queen marking pen
- Shaking bees to new equipment3
Transfer bees from EFB-infected hives onto clean foundation and frames using the shook swarm method. Because Melissococcus plutonius (the EFB pathogen) does not form hardy spores like AFB, removing old comb eliminates the primary reservoir of bacteria and gives the colony a genuine fresh start.
📌 diy📌 organic📌 low cost4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ New hive boxes and frames, hive tool, bee brush
- Antibiotic treatment (Oxytetracycline)3
Apply oxytetracycline (OTC) to treat active European Foulbrood infections by dusting medicated powdered sugar over the top bars or mixing it into a patty. OTC targets the vegetative cells of Melissococcus plutonius, making it effective at halting an active EFB outbreak when used correctly.
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Oxytetracycline powder, powdered sugar, measuring scale