AFB treatment

[margot]

Would freezing frames of honey from an AFB infested hive kill the spores so that the frames could be reused?

[Axtmann]

You can keep them in a freezer for 50 years and longer, only fire or radiation will kill the spores.

[loggermike]

Its much more economical to burn AFB infected combs, than trying to save them, compared to the damage they will cause later.

[Ravenseye]

In my opinion, the cost of frames is cheap compared to the cost of AFB. If you had a place to irradiate them at a reasonable price, I might feel different. I personally feel that healthy frames is a good foundation for a healthy hive.

[Truchaos]

Years ago, my brother had AFB in one of his hives. The state department of agriculture had a chamber for treating AFB contaminated equipment. They placed his equipment in the chamber, treated it with a chemical, then they stamped it with a special serial number and returned it to him.

The chemical worked fine and he never had a another problem.

By the way, I have a collection of American Bee Culture magazines from the late 1800's. I ran across an article which was over one hundred years old they were using the chamber method with success. No radiation or burning required.

[margot]

Do you know what chemical was used in the treatment chamber?

[AR Beekeeper]

Chemical used was Ethylene oxide.

[sqkcrk]

Chemical used was Ethylene oxide.

A known carcenogin which resulted in it's limited use and why it is hard to find any state that uses it anymore for the disinfecction of bee equipment.

[BigLongYellowMFerz]

Can treat with Terramycin iirc...

[sqkcrk]

Can treat with Terramycin iirc...

Treat, but not cure.

[Beeslave]

Tylan will clean it up, from what I hear, but you will have to continue to monitor for reinfestation.