Summary

The
most economically important bacterial infections impacting apiary management
are Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agents of
American (AFB) and European (EFB) foulbrood, respectively. Both bacterial
species impact the larval stages of honey bees, resulting in death in either
the pre-pupal or pupal life stages. AFB can infect both strong and weak hives,
having a greater impact on the health of a hive. In contrast, EFB impacts hives
that are already weak or compromised and is often asymptomatic until honey bees
are exposed to external environmental stressors, such as adverse climatic
conditions and poor nutritional status.

Program

Honey Bee

Research Organisation

La Trobe University