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Spotty brood usually means the queen is old or there is brood disease. Sunken brood capping with holes suggest most likely American Foulbrood, which can be a serious disease if left to develop. In most states, the bacteria causing this disease (Paenibacillus larvae) has become resistant to oxytetracycline (Terramycin). New medications (lincomycin and tylosin) are being applied for bee use. Photo by Zachary Huang. *Viewed: 2106 times.
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On close inspection, AFB killed capped brood would have many small holes on the cap. The cappings are also "sunken" and not perfectly flat as normal healthy cappings. *Viewed: 1372 times.
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A late stage larva killed by AFB. The larva has been capped, becomes standing (instead of coiled flat on the cell bottom), then died. This is in contrast with EFB infected larvae which usually die at the coiled stage. *Viewed: 1181 times.
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A dead larva killed by AFB usually forms a "false tougue", with tougue pointing upward. *Viewed: 1218 times.
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The false tongue viewed normally from the cell opening. *Viewed: 1196 times.
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The goo left by AFB killed larva can be drawn to form a "rope". This is commonly called a ropiness test. EFB killed larva does not form rope easily. *Viewed: 1307 times.
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The dead larva now dehydrates, soon will become a "scale" which is completely dried, difficult for bees to remove, and contains millions of spores which remain infective for many years (up to a decade). Viewed: 1173 times.
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Fire is still the best way to control AFB. In New Zealand where any colony with visible AFB symptoms is burned, the recurring rate is about 2% colonies each year. When burning, dig a hole about 1-2 ft deep (depending the # of hives), put hives in, douse with gasoline or BBQ light fliuid, start fire, then cover with at least 6 inches of dirt. Check with you state law before doing so, because open burning is banned in many states. *Viewed: 1262 times.
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