Field test kits allow a rapid preliminary diagnosis of some diseases at the hive. They do not replace a laboratory, but they shorten the time to a decision.

What they are used for

• The foulbroods: Separate kits exist for American and European foulbrood
• Some viral agents
• Nosema: Requires microscopy; some rapid tests are available

How they work

A suspect larva or bee sample is crushed in a solution and applied to a test strip. The result is read within minutes.

Use is simple and needs no special training.

Limits — these must be known

• Not a definitive diagnosis. Official action requires laboratory confirmation
• False results are possible. A wrongly taken sample or an early-stage infection can give a negative
• A negative is not a guarantee. If signs persist, send a sample
• Expiry date and storage conditions matter

If it is positive

The foulbroods are notifiable in many countries. On a positive result:

• Close the hive. Stop moving comb and equipment at once
• Document it. Photographs, date, hive number, test result
• Report it to the competent agricultural authority or your beekeeping association
• Wait for official instructions. Do not act alone
• Disinfect the tool

Applying antibiotics does not kill spores, conceals the symptoms, leaves residues and makes diagnosis harder.

Taking the sample

The sample matters as much as the test:

• Take it from larvae that look affected; a sample from a healthy area returns negative
• About thirty bees suffice for an adult examination
• Send it in a clean, sealed container
• Write the date and hive details on it

The laboratory

Definitive diagnosis, residue analysis and species identification are laboratory work. In many countries beekeeping associations provide access to it.

Sending a sample in any case of doubt is cheaper than guessing.