We normally use our blog to update beekeepers about the Michigan State University bees we manage. While we haven’t identified American Foulbrood (AFB) in our colonies this year, we think it’s important for Michigan beekeepers to be prepared to identify and deal with colonies sick from AFB.

In the 1920s American Foulbrood (AFB) was a huge problem for Michigan Beekeepers. This devastating disease was widespread and common throughout the state, killing hives and causing the loss of thousands of dollars of equipment. To deal with the issue of AFB, the state of Michigan developed strict bee laws, creating an inspection and registration program through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). In the first few years of the program over 25% of the colonies that were inspected had AFB! However, after years of enforcement, management, and education, the problem was controlled, and AFB cases dropped dramatically. After years of low case numbers, almost all of the strict state bee laws were repealed in 1993. Our current bee law has no requirements for registration, inspections, or reporting of American Foulbrood. This means that controlling American Foulbrood disease, like other diseases, is the responsibility of the beekeepers. 

It is important for beekeepers to take this responsibility seriously.  The most important thing that you can do is to learn what this disease looks like, so that you can take swift action to control its spread.  Educate yourselves and educate others. Take the time to read the resources below, and remind others to be on the lookout for diseased brood.  While we no longer have the high number of cases that we saw 100 years ago, AFB is still present. The pathogen that causes AFB can be found anywhere in the world that bees are kept, including Michigan. This means that we still see cases of this disease every year.  If you keep enough hives, or keep hives for long enough, you will likely come across a colony with AFB.  If you can recognize the signs of disease, you can deal with it immediately and prevent the colony from spreading disease through your operation and others. 

Know what AFB looks like so you can act quickly if you come across a diseased colony.

If you have a colony with AFB you should do the following:

1. Take good notes and photos
   1. Consider sharing the learning opportunity with bee veterinarians and other beekeepers so that more people can recognize the disease.  Invite others to see the hive so they can see and smell what a diseased hive looks like in person.  This can be done safely if you are serious about biosecurity precautions. Make sure that no one brings their own tools and gloves, and make sure that everyone washes their hands thoroughly after handling any potentially contaminated equipment or before returning to their own yards. 
   1. You can save a frame in a plastic bag in your freezer to bring to a bee club meeting or to show to other beekeepers so they can view scale and other signs.  Again, handle all contaminated equipment carefully, and always wash your hands before and after handling equipment from any other beekeeping operation. 
   1. Work with MSU extension, your veterinarian, or MDARD to develop a plan to safely and quickly manage the disease in your operation and prevent spread to other operations.

It is essential to treat diseased colonies and hive materials carefully as to not spread disease, but it also important to train veterinarians and beekeepers on what the signs of AFB.  Use good biosecurity practices and help each other learn.

The reason AFB cases remain low in the state is because Michigan beekeepers have been good about quickly recognizing and dealing with this disease.  It is an important responsibility of all beekeepers to learn to recognize AFB so that we can act quickly, and continue to keep this disease under control.

Michigan State University Document: Diagnosing and Treating American Foulbrood: https://pollinators.msu.edu/resources/beekeepers/diagnosing-and-treating-american-foulbrood-in-honey-bee-colonies/

Additional Resources:

• Bee Informed Partnership Blog on AFB with photos: https://beeinformed.org/2013/10/21/american-foulbrood-afb/
• USDA info on AFB: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/bee-research-laboratory/docs/american-foulbrood-disease/
• Penn State Honey Bee Disease page for AFB: https://extension.psu.edu/honey-bee-diseases-american-foulbrood