What Is American Foulbrood (AFB)?
American Foulbrood (AFB) is one of the most destructive bacterial diseases affecting honey bee colonies worldwide. It is caused by Paenibacillus larvae, a spore-forming bacterium that attacks honey bee brood. While adult bees rarely die directly from it, the disease wipes out developing larvae and destroys the colonyβs ability to reproduce.
What makes AFB especially dangerous is:
- spores remain viable for over 50 years
- it spreads easily between hives
- contaminated honey, comb, wood and tools carry spores
- most treatments do NOT kill the spores
Because of this, AFB is often referred to as:
βThe most feared honey bee disease in the world.β
Many countries legally require AFB reporting because unmanaged infections can devastate regional bee populations.
Early Detection is Key
Managing American Foulbrood Disease starts with a thorough inspection. To spot the “mummies” early and maintain hive hygiene, you need high-precision Beekeeping Tools and protective gear.
- Stainless Steel Hive Tool: For scraping infected frames.
- High-Quality Smoker: To calm bees during disease checks.
- Hygienic Monitoring: Essential for tracking colony health.
What Causes American Foulbrood?
American Foulbrood is caused by the bacterium:
Paenibacillus larvae
Larvae become infected when:
- nurse bees feed them contaminated brood food
- they clean contaminated cells
- robber bees carry spores from dying hives
- beekeepers share infected equipment
Once inside a larva, bacteria multiply rapidly.
- young larvae die first
- cells become sunken and dark
- brood pattern becomes patchy
The colony weakens as brood population collapses, usually leading to:
- colony death
- queen failure
- robbing behavior, spreading spores further
How American Foulbrood Spreads
AFB spreads through:
β contaminated hive tools
β shared frames or equipment
β drifting and robbing bees
β feeding honey from unknown sources
β swarm capture from infected colonies
β contaminated comb foundation
Beekeepers are unfortunately the number one spreaders.
The disease does not spread through the air like a virus.
It requires contact with spore-contaminated materials.
Early Signs & Symptoms of American Foulbrood
Recognizing AFB early is essential.
π Visual symptoms include:
- sunken, greasy brood cappings
- perforated brood cappings
- patchy or spotty brood pattern
- discolored brood (brown, dark brown, black)
- brood dies after capping
π Classic tests include:
- ropiness test (matchstick pulls slimy thread 2β3 cm)
- foul smell like fish glue or sulfur
- dark scales stuck to cell walls
π¨ IMPORTANT
Do not rely on smell alone.
Some colonies have no odor but are highly infected.
American Foulbrood spores can survive for more than 50 years on wooden hive equipment. This is why reusing contaminated frames or boxes can reinfect new colonies even decades later.
π§ͺ How To Diagnose American Foulbrood
1. Ropiness Test
Insert a matchstick or toothpick into dead brood, stir gently, pull out.
π If it draws brown elastic threads β strong AFB indication.
2. Lab Test Kits
Commercial test kits similar to COVID rapid tests exist.
Search:
β AFB Field Test Kit
β Vita AFB test
3. Laboratory confirmation
Send sample comb to local bee lab or association.
“If your field tests are inconclusive, it is highly recommended to send a sample to a certified laboratory. For beekeepers in the UK, the National Bee Unit (NBU) provides official guidance and diagnostic services.”
π American Foulbrood vs European Foulbrood
π Is American Foulbrood Treatable?
This is critical:
π₯ AFB spores cannot be killed by antibiotics
Antibiotics only mask symptoms.
In most countries:
- burning hive wood & frames is legally required
- honey must be destroyed
- tools must be flame-sterilized
Never:
β reuse frames
β sell contaminated honey
β try to βsaveβ infected equipment
π Legal Requirements & Reporting AFB
Many regions legally require:
- reporting suspected AFB
- quarantine of apiary
- destruction of equipment
Check local regulations for:
β United States β Apiary Inspection Service
β UK β National Bee Unit
β EU countries β Veterinary agency
Add one dofollow reputable link (example):
External resource suggestion (do follow):
American foulbrood information by national bee unit (user will add actual URL)
π‘ How To Prevent American Foulbrood
- never feed unknown honey
- avoid buying used equipment
- disinfect hive tools regularly
- mark infected apiaries
- use single apiary tools only
- freeze old comb before reuse
- rotate out dark comb every 2β3 years
- avoid sharing frames between colonies
π₯ Cleaning & Sterilizing Equipment
β Fire scorching method
Use blowtorch on:
- hive body
- bottom board
- inner covers
β Boiling caustic soda (advanced professionals only)
Never do this if untrained.
β Burning Colonies (where legally required)
Some countries require:
- burning infected frames
- burying ashes
- sealing site
Follow local law only.
“On Health Management: “A colony’s first line of defense against any pathogen is its overall strength. Ensure your hives aren’t being weakened by parasitic stress by following our Complete Guide to Varroa Mite Control.”
𧩠FAQ SECTION
Q: Can American foulbrood infect humans?
No, AFB does not infect humans. Honey is unsafe to feed to bees but safe for people if harvested before infection.
Q: Can I treat AFB with antibiotics?
Antibiotics only hide symptoms. Spores remain and reinfect the colony.
Q: Does freezing equipment kill AFB?
No, spores survive freezing.
Q: Can honey spread American Foulbrood?
Yes, even small amounts can infect colonies.
Conclusion: Vigilance is Your Best Defense
American Foulbrood is a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with beekeeping. While discovering AFB in your apiary is a heartbreaking experience, taking swift, decisive action is the only way to honor your role as a steward of these incredible pollinators. By mastering early detection, maintaining strict bio-security, and never cutting corners with used equipment, you protect not only your investment but the health of the entire local bee population. Stay observant, keep your tools clean, and always prioritize the long-term health of the hive over short-term savings.
