American Foulbrood: Recognising and Treating This Deadly Bee Disease

A Threat No Serious Beekeeper Can Ignore

For Australian beekeepers operating at scale or with long-term breeding and production goals, few threats are as confronting as American Foulbrood (AFB). This bacterial disease does not merely weaken colonies; it destroys them, spreads silently, and can devastate entire operations if not identified and managed decisively. Understanding AFB is not optional for serious apiarists; it is a core responsibility of professional hive management.

What Makes American Foulbrood So Dangerous

American Foulbrood is caused by Paenibacillus larvae, a spore-forming bacterium capable of surviving for decades in hive equipment. Unlike many other brood diseases, AFB attacks developing larvae and inevitably leads to colony collapse if left unchecked. The spores are extraordinarily resilient, resistant to heat, desiccation, and many disinfectants, making eradication challenging once established.

In Australia, AFB is a notifiable disease. Failure to act swiftly does not just risk individual apiaries, it threatens the wider beekeeping industry and pollination services.

Recognising the Warning Signs Early

Experienced beekeepers know that early detection is the difference between containment and catastrophe. Classic indicators include irregular brood patterns, sunken or perforated cappings, and a distinctive dark, ropy larval mass when tested with a matchstick. As the disease progresses, a persistent foul odour may develop, although reliance on smell alone is unreliable.

Regular, systematic brood inspections are essential, particularly in spring and early summer when colony expansion accelerates and disease pressure increases.

Confirmed Cases and Legal Obligations

Any suspected case of AFB must be reported to the relevant state authority immediately. Laboratory confirmation is often required, and movement restrictions may be imposed. For commercial operators, having established biosecurity protocols and clear action plans ensures rapid compliance and reduces downtime across affected apiaries.

Ignoring or delaying reporting can lead to severe penalties and irreversible reputational damage.

Treatment, Control, and Hard Decisions

There is no cure for American Foulbrood. Antibiotics are not permitted as a control measure in Australia due to residue risks and the potential for masking symptoms. The only effective response is destruction of infected colonies and contaminated equipment, typically through burning.

While this is a difficult decision, experienced beekeepers recognise that decisive action protects the remainder of their operation and the broader industry.

Prevention as a Professional Standard

Preventing AFB requires disciplined management. This includes maintaining accurate hive records, sterilising tools between apiaries, avoiding the use of unknown or second-hand equipment, and managing hive movements carefully. Strong colonies, good nutrition, and queen quality also play a role in reducing vulnerability.

For serious beekeepers, prevention is not an extra step; it is part of operating responsibly and sustainably.

Conclusion

American Foulbrood remains one of the most destructive diseases facing Australian beekeeping. For those committed to professional standards and long-term viability, vigilance, education, and swift action are essential. Protecting bees, livelihoods, and the industry as a whole depends on informed, disciplined responses to this ever-present threat.

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