How To Positively Id Afb

[bikebum3]

I lost several colonies last Winter due to AFB 'cause the Tylosin I used was out-dated (bummer!). AS it was a relatively light case of AFB, neither is the odor very noticeable nor are there many perforated cell cappings. Can anyone tell me an easy way to identify which brood combs are infected??

[BULLSEYE BILL]

Out of curiosity, did you do the 'rope' test?

If you are still not sure and want to find out positively, there is a test kit that you can order from the bee supply houses.

[bikebum3]

BILL:

Thanx for the info. I will check into this testing option.

[Velbert]

In afb the capping is perforated it is also SUNK in and usually has a little bit of a darker color to it. Uncap a few cells and look in cell in the late stage the pupa will be the length of the cell and the tongue will be pointing up. or if in the bottom of the cell check for ropeness also when the pupa is dried take a stick and try to rake it out its almost impossible with out tearing up the cell.


Don't know for sure but what you described kinda sounds like you may have been looking at Vorra post mite syndrome. In small amount of brood you can smell a kinda of sour smell and capping's is also perforated but they still have a dome shape.

[Scrapfe]

This is the best bee educational resource I have found concerning AFB.

http://www.ent.uga.edu/Bees/Disorder..._Disorders.htm