Honey Bee Diseases and Pests in Australia

American FoulbroodAmerican foulbrood (AFB) caused by Paenibacillus larvae is the most serious notifiable disease of honey bees in Australia. Infected larvae die and decay into a brown ropy foul-smelling mass. The spores survive in equipment for 40+ years. Any suspected AFB must be reported to your state agricultural authority — destruction of the colony and burning of infected equipment is required. Prevention: purchase bees from registered disease-free apiaries; do not feed bees honey from un…