Transferring Frames | The Management Agency, National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan New Zealand (2024)

FAQs

What is the American Foulbrood disease in New Zealand? ›

It is the most serious honey bee disease in New Zealand and has a major impact on bee populations. AFB spores can survive outside a honey bee colony for more than 35 years, are able to withstand very high temperatures, and are resistant to many disinfectants.

Beekeepers often transfer frames of brood from one colony to another, either to boost the populations of small colonies, or to reduce the strength of colonies in an effort to prevent swarming.

AFB can be accidentally spread by beekeepers or through the natural behaviour of honey bees. Beekeepers can accidentally spread the bacterial spores when infected combs or hive components are placed in non-infected hives. Spores can also be spread on tools and equipment.

There are no human health implications because the disease is not zoonotic.

The best course of action is to have the hive material (without bees) sterilised by gamma or X-ray irradiation to remove any doubt as to the disease status of the material. Gamma irradiation will make AFB spores non-viable and unable to cause disease. The sterilised components can then be safely reused.

Can I safely use the frames again? In most cases, yes. Getting the dead colony's frames and other hive equipment ready for future bees is important. There are only a few cases when the combs cannot be used again.

As the wax in the frames ages, it begins to accumulate pathogens, and chemicals from varroacide treatments. The frames may also become damaged, or may contain extensive amounts of inconveniently placed drone comb. How often should I change them? It is best practice to replace brood comb at least every three years.

After a period of time, 5 years, the chemical traces now become a toxic environment within the hive. A good rule is to begin replacing frames and foundation at year 4 and only replace half of the frames.

AFB has a distinctive smell

Larvae and pupae infected with AFB can exhibit a characteristic foul smell similar to dead fish (hence the name “foulbrood”). The intensity of the smell varies considerably, depending on the number of infected larvae and pupae present and factors such as temperature.

Do not sell bees or products from this yard, and do not use honey supers from this yard for use in other yards. Any equipment that is not burned can be sterilized to kill spores. AFB spores can be killed by 30 minutes at 130˚C (266˚F) dry heat, by 1.5% bleach, 1.5% caustic soda in boiling water, gamma rays, and flames.

Is AFB harmful to humans? ›

While there is generally a low risk of human infection with AFB organisms, it should be noted that fatal bacterial septicaemia has been reported in drug users injected with honey contaminated with P.

While it only attacks larvae, AFB weakens the colony and can quickly lead to its death in only three weeks. AFB is most commonly transmitted through spores of the bacteria, which can be dormant in the colonies or used equipment for 70 or more years.

Most beekeepers who have had any experience with AFB in their hives will agree that the best approach is to treat with terramycin on a preventative basis and inspect colonies regularly. Colonies that show signs of AFB should be destroyed and the equipment sterilized.

American foulbrood (AFB) is a bacterial brood disease that results from the infection of honey bee larvae with Paenibacillus larvae. While it only attacks larvae, AFB weakens the colony and can quickly lead to its death in only three weeks.

American foulbrood is the most serious bee disease in New Zealand, and strict measures are taken to identify it and stop it from spreading. The standard treatment is to burn the hive early in the morning or in the evening, when all the bees are inside.

Beekeeper assisted spread occurs through normal management practices such as interchanging hive components containing infested brood, movement of bee products attractive to bees, shifting hives for pollination of crops or honey collection, and international trade of live bees.

Black spot is one of the most prevalent fungal diseases on roses in New Zealand. It must be prevented as once it is in the leaves it cannot be cured and will spread very quickly. Some rose varieties are almost immune to black spot, while others are exceptionally susceptible.