Brooke Decker
Pollinator Health Specialist
State Apiculturist
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
American Foul Brood Announcement
July 30, 2020
American Foul Brood (AFB) ) Paenibacillus larva has been confirmed at an apiary located in Hinesburg, Vermont.
The multiple hives and associated equipment have been destroyed by fire. The remaining colonies are under quarantine and enhanced inspection protocols.
In this particular case, it appears that AFB has been spread throughout an entire operation by transference and interchange of hive components, primarily frames with AFB scale.
AFB spores can remain viable for many decades.
Beekeepers should be diligent in their hive inspections. Weak, declining, or dead-out hives should be closely examined for scale and clinical symptoms of AFB, before being reused.
Samples of comb or larvae can be sent to the USDA Beltsville Laboratory in Maryland, for analysis.
Enhanced cleaning protocols should be adopted after inspections of colonies suspected of any disease or pathogen, especially AFB. Regularly sterilizing your hive tool, gloves, smoker, and clothing is a recommended best practice for all beekeeping operations.
Any suspect findings of AFB should be reported immediately to Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets-
Brooke Decker
Pollinator Health Specialist / State Apiculturist
802-272-6688