Shape of brood

Healthy larvae

Healthy larvae and pupae are characteristically plump in shape. In healthy larvae at the prepupal stage, the circular lines of segmentation are clearly visible. In healthy pupae, the shape of all of the external body parts can be seen (Fig.18).

Figure 18: Healthy pupa
Figure 18: Healthy pupa

Early signs of infection

When an AFB infection occurs, the first symptom is often a slight change in the colour of the prepupae or pupae (Fig.19, 20 and 21).

Figure 19: Early stage AFB infected pupa
Figure 19: Early stage AFB infected pupa
Figure 20: A very early stage AFB infected prepupa slumped on the lower cell wall
Figure 20: A very early stage AFB infected prepupa slumped on the lower cell wall
Figure 21: An early stage AFB infected prepupa slumped on the lower cell wall
Figure 21: An early stage AFB infected prepupa slumped on the lower cell wall

Advanced infection of larvae

As the infection develops and the brood tissues are consumed, the remains slump down onto the lower wall of the cell. In diseased larvae in the prepupal stage, the lines of segmentation can no longer be determined easily (Fig. 16, 21 and 22).

Figure 16: Coffee coloured AFB
Figure 16: Coffee coloured AFB
Figure 22: An AFB prepupa slumped on the lower wall of a cell
Figure 22: An AFB prepupa slumped on the lower wall of a cell

Diseased pupae

In diseased pupae, the body parts lose most of their characteristic shape, although the tongue remains upright and prominent (Fig. 17 and 23).

Figure 17: Pupal scale with tongue
Figure 17: Pupal scale with tongue
Figure 23: Infected pupa with tongue stretched across the cell
Figure 23: Infected pupa with tongue stretched across the cell

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AFB Videos
Videos

Our videos cover everything from your legal obligations to how to recognise AFB, collecting cell and bee samples and more.

AFB Symptoms
Symptoms

There’s a lot of good information here, telling you everything you need to know about recognising AFB: the visual symptoms, smell of AFB and more.

AFB Inspection and Diagnosis
Inspection and Diagnosis

Successfully eliminate AFB by telling the difference between symptoms of AFB and other brood diseases in the hive. We tell you the best methods for inspecting your hives.

AFB Law
The Law

New Zealand beekeepers have a number of legal obligations that must be met regarding AFB disease. Read the shortened list in summary, here.

AFB Elimination
Elimination

Most hives become infected because bees, honey or equipment have been put into a hive from another hive that is infected with AFB. Lower your chances of an  AFB infection by reading this section.

AFB Course Info
AFB Recognition Course Info

Find out when the next AFB Recognition and Competency Courses, or Refresher Courses are available. These are held throughout the year in various New Zealand locations across the South Island and North Island.

AFB App
The AFB App

Follow the link below to open the App. Once open to save to your device you need to bookmark the URL on your phone so you can find it easily again. Please click here to open.