Brooke Decker
Pollinator Health Specialist
State Apiculturist
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
American Foul Brood Announcement
August 12, 2020
American Foul Brood (AFB) Paenibacillus larva has been confirmed at an apiary located in Bristol, Vermont.
The multiple hives and associated equipment have been destroyed by fire by the beekeeper. The remaining colonies are under quarantine and enhanced inspection protocols.
Beekeepers should remain 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, bees, brood 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 must be reported immediately to Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets-
Brooke Decker
Pollinator Health Specialist / State Apiculturist
802-272-6688