Infection of honey bees with Paenibacillus larvae (American foulbrood)

Last Modified: Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:29:23 IST
Disease name Infection of honey bees with Paenibacillus larvae (American foulbrood)
Animal Health Law Category if applicable E, D
Species affected Bee
Description American foulbrood (AFB) affects the larval stage of the honey bee Apis mellifera and other Apis spp. and occurs throughout the world. Paenibacillus larvae, the causative organism, is a bacterium that can produce over one billion spores in each infected larva. The spores are extremely resistant to heat and chemical agents, and can survive for many years in scales (from diseased dead brood),hive products and equipment. Only the spores are capable of inducing the infection.
Status in Ireland Present
Date of Last known case of disease in Ireland Not applicable
DAFM Division Responsible Ag Horticulture and Plant Health
Contact Rachel Wisdom; beekeeping@agriculture.gov.ie
Legislation
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2016/si/130/made/en/
Link to relevant external website
Notifiable in Ireland Yes
WOAH Listed Yes
WOAH Link https://www.woah.org/en/disease/diseases-of-bees/
Publications