European Foulbrood (EFB) – It Can Happen to Anyone

This weekend I was due to go on a Queen Rearing Course at the Devon honey farm of Ken and Dan Basterfield, two of Britain’s most renowned beekeepers.

Unfortunately for them they have been struck by an outbreak of EFB in their teaching apiary, forcing them to close until they have the all-clear from the National Bee Unit.

There has also been a major outbreak in the London area with potential implications for all of us in the South East Region and we need to be super vigilant in our own apiaries.

It can be hidden in colonies for some time as bees tend to remove infected larvae.

So, what is EFB?

• A highly infectious bacterial disease (Melissococcus plutonius) that usually kills larvae before they’re capped
• he bacteria multiply in the larva’s gut competing for food, resulting in the twisting, contortion, and death of the infected larva
• There is no visible segmentation, the larva has a watery appearance and turns a brownish colour
• The brood has a pepper pot appearance
• There might be an unpleasant smell associated with secondary bacteria.

EFB is a notifiable disease. If you suspect it, you must notify the NBU immediately.

Is there any treatment?

• Severely infected colonies including all the equipment must be burned
• The apiary will be placed in quarantine (standfast order) until cleared by the Bee Inspector
• Antibiotics and shook swarm may be effective if the degree of infection is not too severe, at the discretion of the Bee Inspector
• Affected equipment can remain infectious for many years

If you suspect it in your hives:

• Take a screenshot of the suspected frames
• Close the hive entrance to one bee space until dusk to collect the flying bees then close it completely
• Burn any larvae you have pulled out in your smoker
• Sterilise your hive tool and other equipment that’s been in contact with the suspect colony
• Wash your beesuit, clothes and boots with soda crystals
• Destroy your gloves
• Isolate the apiary
• Contact our Regional Bee Inspector (updated Dec’23 to Daniel Etheridge; Tel: 07979119376 / email:daniel.etheridge@apha.gov.uk).

IF IT CAN HAPPEN TO THE BASTERFIELDS IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!

by Alan Baxter