- Colonies infected with AFB have a distinctive, foul odor (something like a chicken house).
- Diseased larvae are light brown to dark brown. Sealed brood has a glue-like texture when drawn out of the cell with a toothpick , a characteristic called “ropiness.”
- Cappings become concave, with some punctured by small holes as bees attempt to remove dead brood.
- Dead, dried out larvae may be found as scales stuck to cell walls. These are difficult to remove.
- Dead pupae may have protruding tongues.
- Few adult workers are present in the colony’s final stages.
About the disease
Management strategies
If AFB is detected
Treating AFB with antibiotics in Ohio: as of 1/2017