European Foulbrood (EFB): What is it And How is it Treated?
European foulbrood
European foulbrood (EFB) is a bacterial brood disease that poses a significant challenge for beekeepers worldwide. The United Kingdom, in particular, has struggled to contain this disease, with EFB being the country's most widely spread bacterial brood disease.
While EFB has yet to spread to New Zealand, it is present in eastern Australia. Without strong preventative measures, this disease is likely to continue spreading to other areas that have not been affected.
EFB primarily affects the brood, which is the bee's offspring. The bacteria responsible for EFB can penetrate the brood cell and infect the larvae, causing them to die. The bacteria can then produce spores that can survive in the environment for years, infecting new colonies and perpetuating the disease.
The effect it has on the hive
European foulbrood (EFB) is a bacterial brood disease caused by the Melissococcus pluton bacterium. This disease primarily affects the bee larvae and can cause a significant reduction in the hive's capacity. If left unchecked, EFB can lead to the death of the entire colony.
The larvae become infected with the bacterium when they consume contaminated food. The bacteria then multiply in the larvae's gut and produce toxins that can cause the larvae to die. The dead larvae turn brown and form a slimy mass, which is highly contagious and can spread to other larvae and colonies.
In addition to contaminated food, European foulbrood (EFB) can be transmitted through other means. One way that EFB can spread is through robbing. A colony that EFB weakens is more susceptible to robbing, which increases the likelihood of the infection spreading to other hives.
Beekeeping equipment can also be a source of EFB contamination if it is not adequately cleaned and disinfected. For instance, hive tools, smokers, and protective gear can be contaminated, spreading the infection to other colonies.
Transferring combs from infected hives to a previously uninfected hive can also transmit EFB. Beekeepers must ensure that they do not share equipment or combs from infected hives with uninfected ones without proper cleaning and disinfection.
Preventing the spread of EFB requires a comprehensive approach that includes practising good hygiene, regular inspections, and appropriate management strategies. Beekeepers must avoid robbing and ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, beekeepers must carefully manage the transfer of combs between colonies to prevent the spread of the disease.
The larvae of a hive can become infected with a bacterium that grows within their gut. This bacterium consumes most of the food the larvae ingests, leading to starvation and death.
However, if the larvae manage to survive the disease and undergo metamorphosis into a pupa, they will then excrete more of the bacterium through their faeces, perpetuating the spread of the infection within the hive. On the other hand, if the larvae succumb to the disease, they will dry out and turn into a dark scale, contributing to the infection's proliferation.
Hives are particularly vulnerable to infections when exposed to stressors such as relocation, unfavourable weather conditions, or inadequate nutrition. Even when the symptoms of a disease are not apparent, the bacterium can persist within the hive and reemerge if the hive experiences stress from external factors. It is essential to monitor hives and provide optimal conditions to reduce the risk of infections and their potential resurgence.
What to look for and how to detect
Early detection of European Foulbrood (EFB) can be challenging due to the behaviour of worker bees, who often remove diseased larvae. Some larvae may die before being capped, while others may die after capping, leading to misdiagnosis with American Foulbrood. To help identify EFB in their hives, beekeepers should be aware of the following symptoms:
A change in colour of the diseased larvae from white to a yellowish brown
Dead larvae that may have a watery consistency
The presence of a sour odour
An uneven brood pattern with a mixture of capped and uncapped cells.
It is essential for beekeepers to regularly monitor their hives and be aware of these symptoms to diagnose and treat EFB infections promptly.
As European Foulbrood (EFB) is most likely to occur in the spring or autumn seasons, it is recommended that beekeepers conduct a minimum of two thorough examinations of their hives annually during these times. To perform the examination, beekeepers should remove each frame, gently brush off the bees, and carefully inspect it for any of the symptoms listed above.
Preventative measures
The most effective way to protect hives from European Foulbrood (EFB) is to prevent infections from occurring in the first place. Although it is not possible to eliminate the risk, the following steps can significantly reduce it:
Maintaining high levels of hive hygiene by cleaning all beekeeping equipment and avoiding the introduction of unknown bees or equipment to the hive.
Replacing the queen bee with a young and healthy queen regularly. Ideally, breed from bees that have already been proven to be disease-resistant.
Taking precautions when moving bees to minimize stress, as stress is a significant risk factor for EFB.
Providing bees with access to ample supplies of pollen and nectar and using artificial feeding methods when necessary to maintain low-stress levels.
By implementing these measures, beekeepers can help protect their hives from EFB and ensure the health of their colonies.
Treatment and Control
European Foulbrood (EFB) can be treated with antibiotics. Still, the widespread use of antibiotics may result in the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacterium. As a result, the most effective way to control the spread of the disease is to destroy affected colonies.
Suppose multiple colonies are present, and more than 10% display symptoms of EFB. In that case, it is recommended that every colony be treated. This approach helps to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the health of the remaining colonies. It is essential to follow the guidance of a professional beekeeper or veterinarian when dealing with EFB to effectively manage the disease and minimize its impact on the hives.
If you suspect you have Foulbrood, contact your local Inspector.
