STONEBROOD

 

 

Stonebrood is a fungal disease that affects honeybee brood. It is caused by the fungus Aspergillus spp. and can cause significant losses in honeybee colonies if left untreated. Stonebrood gets its name from the hard, stone-like appearance of infected brood, which becomes mummified.

 

Symptoms: The symptoms of stonebrood in honeybees are visible in the infected brood. The larvae infected with the fungus will appear to be discolored and have a hard, shriveled appearance. Over time, they will turn brown and become hard and stone-like, making them easy to spot in the colony. The infected larvae will eventually die and turn into a mummified mass.

 

Treatment: Treatment of stonebrood involves removing the infected brood from the hive and disposing of it to prevent further spread of the disease. If the disease is detected early, it may be possible to save the colony by removing the infected brood and providing the bees with a clean and dry environment. In severe cases, it may be necessary to requeen the colony or even split the hive.

 

Prevention: Prevention measures for stonebrood include maintaining a clean and dry hive environment, as the fungus thrives in damp conditions. It is important to inspect hives regularly and remove any infected brood as soon as it is detected. It is also recommended to maintain healthy colonies by providing them with a balanced diet and avoiding stress factors that may weaken their immune system.

 

Cure: There is currently no cure for stonebrood in honeybees, so prevention and early detection are critical in controlling the spread of the disease. It is important to note that stonebrood is not considered a significant threat to honeybee colonies and is relatively uncommon.

 

Stonebrood is a fungal disease that can affect honeybee brood and cause significant losses in colonies if left untreated. Prevention and early detection are key in controlling the spread of the disease, and treatment involves removing infected brood and maintaining a clean and dry hive environment. While there is no cure for stonebrood, it is not considered a significant threat to honeybee colonies, and healthy colonies can generally overcome the disease with proper management.