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Beekeeping Microscope

American Foulbrood Disease Killing Off Bee Colonies in Jersey

A freeze on all movement and transfer of bees, hives, and equipment has been declared in the States of Jersey to deter the spread of the disease to other bee colonies.

American Foulbrood Disease is caused by Paenibacillus larvae and can be easily spread to other bee hives to weaken and eventually kill the whole colony. Paenibacillus larvae can be seen under a high power microscope and is a rod-shaped bacterium. The disease is present in the spores of the bee's food and will infect the young larvae when nourishing. The larvae will only become infected if younger than 3 days old and is most likely to contract the disease if less than 24 hours old.

The disease can be spread by robber bees from nearby hives. Bees will take honey back to their hive and introduce the brood disease to their colony. Although, the American Foulbrood disease does not have any effect on humans, it can take out large numbers of our buzzing pollinators if the spreading is not stopped. Many major crops depend on bee pollination for growth.

Foulbrood was the term to classify the disease until 1906 when the name of the disease split to European and American Foulbrood disease. The designation was not determined by the geographical area the disease was spread but by the location of where the disease was first observed and investigating by scientists.

Beekeepers in the infected zones are being asked to register with their local beekeepers' association to have a list for inspections. The Commerce and Employment Department asked beekeepers to continue regular inspection of bee hives and report any hives with AFB symptoms to the department.

Symptoms are apparent if the bee hive is infected and instant test results make for quick confirmation and action on the colony. Unfortunately, the only method to stop the disease from spreading is to destroy the bees and hives of the infected colony.

Jersey bee hives need to boot the disease out of their colonies so the bees can continue on their daily routines!

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