FOULBROOD

 

 

Foulbrood is a bacterial disease that affects honeybees, and it is considered one of the most serious threats to honeybee colonies. There are two types of foulbrood; American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB). Both types are caused by different bacteria, and they have different symptoms, treatments, and prevention measures.

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American foulbrood (AFB):

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Symptoms: Sunken, greasy, and perforated brood cells that are brown or black in colour. Larvae die before they reach the pupal stage, leaving behind a foul-smelling, ropy, and light-brown liquid. As the disease progresses, the scales of the affected brood cells become dark and hard, and they can stick to the bottom of the cell.

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Treatments: If a hive is suspected of having AFB, the infected colony should be destroyed by fire or a method approved by local authorities to prevent the spread of the disease. Preventing the spread of AFB is the best course of action. Beekeepers can use a variety of methods to prevent the disease, including practicing good hygiene, replacing old comb, using antibiotics, and re-queening.

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Prevention measures: Regular hive inspections and maintaining good hygiene are crucial in preventing AFB. Beekeepers should avoid feeding honey or pollen that has not been treated to prevent the spread of AFB. Replacing old comb with new frames can also help prevent the spread of AFB.

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European foulbrood (EFB):

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Symptoms: Larvae in EFB-infected cells turn yellow, then brown, before dying. Unlike AFB, the larvae die after they are capped. The affected cells are twisted or curled, and the caps may be sunken.

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Treatments: EFB can be treated with antibiotics, such as oxytetracycline, which can be given to the bees in the form of medicated syrup or dust.

In severe cases, the colony may need to be re-queened.

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Prevention measures: Maintaining good hygiene in the hive, such as regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, can help prevent EFB. Beekeepers should also replace old comb with new frames to prevent the spread of the disease.

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Foulbrood is a serious threat to honeybee colonies, and prevention measures are the best course of action. Early detection and treatment are essential to preventing the spread of the disease. Beekeepers should practice good hygiene and regularly inspect their hives to catch any signs of foulbrood early.