Summary

American foulbrood (AFB) is a fatal microbial disease of honey bee brood caused by the spore forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. AFB is present in every state and territory of Australia and is the most serious established disease affecting Australian beekeepers. Unfortunately, the current methods of managing AFB in Australia are not effective and are continuing to result in both economic and social hardship for the honey bee industry. In response to these concerns, the peak industry body, the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) established the AHBIC AFB Steering Committee to investigate how the Australian honey bee industry could take on a greater role of management of AFB in Australia.
A 2-day workshop in March 2013 will bring together the entire Australian honey bee industry, through the peak industry body (AHBIC) and state beekeeping association representatives. The workshop will also attempt to bring together the Chief Biosecurity Officers and apiary officers from every state and territory in Australia (excluding ACT), as well as PHA, DAFF, APVMA and RIRDC and an international AFB policy expert from New Zealand.

Program

Honey Bee

Research Organisation

Plant Health Australia Limited

Objective Summary

This workshop will investigate the possibility of developing an agreed AFB National Management Strategy, and how this could be implemented and funded into the future. Developing an AFB National Management Strategy will ultimately lay the foundations for a greater degree of industry self-reliance for the management of AFB in Australia.