With American foulbrood the first step is not treatment but reporting. The disease is notifiable in many countries, and what follows is determined by the competent authority.

Why antibiotics are not a solution

The organism forms spores that remain viable for decades — in comb, in timber, in honey and on tools.

Antibiotics suppress the vegetative form but do not kill the spores. The consequences:

• Symptoms disappear and the colony looks healthy
• The spores remain in comb and hive parts
• The disease returns once treatment stops
• Residues appear in honey and wax
• The hidden infection spreads through the region via colonies that are sold

For these reasons their use in bees is restricted or prohibited in many countries.

What does work

Not a product but an approach, prescribed by the authority. Common elements:

• Destruction of heavily affected colonies and their comb
• The shook swarm method: The bees are put onto fresh foundation and all old comb destroyed
• Flaming of timber hive parts
• A surveillance zone within which colonies are inspected

What the beekeeper does immediately

• Close the hive and stop working
• Move no comb, lend no equipment
• Move no colonies
• Record it: photographs, date, hive number
• Flame the tools before the next hive
• Report it

Why early reporting is in your own interest

Early reporting usually leads to narrower measures than an infection concealed until it is large.

What lowers the risk

Buy no colonies, comb or honey of unknown origin; clean the hive tool between hives; renew comb regularly; avoid robbing; and record colony movements.