Management Plan
AFB NPMP Change Programme
To support the implementation of the updated American Foulbrood National Pest Management Plan, The Management Agency has identified and begun implementing five key priorities. We’re calling this the AFB NPMP Change Programme. And its success relies on the commitment of New Zealand beekeepers. CLICK HERE to view the document that shares exactly what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how it will be done. As always, we welcome your feedback and questions.
We’re here to support New Zealand beekeepers in their fight against AFB.
AFB PMP - DRAFT 5 year plan
Introduction to NZ Legislation
New Zealand has had legislation to control AFB since 1906. The most recent change in that legislation occurred in 1998, when the Biosecurity (National American Foulbrood Pest Management Strategy) Order was passed into law. The Order established an American Foulbrood Pest Management Strategy (AFB NPMS) under the Biosecurity Act (Appendix 1). The Biosecurity Act allows New Zealand agricultural industries affected by a pest or disease to determine their own goals and strategy for its control, and to use legal powers to ensure the strategy is carried out.
The Plan
In the case of AFB, the National Beekeepers’ Association (NBA), the main representative organisation of the beekeeping industry, developed the AFB NPMS, and went through the process of having the strategy approved by government. The Management Agency for the AFB NPMS is the NBA. The NBA has the statutory responsibility to implement the AFB NPMS, which comprises a range of regulatory and educational programmes (including this website). The NBA also funds the strategy, using income generated from a mandatory levy on apiaries and beekeepers.
Videos
Our videos cover everything from your legal obligations to how to recognise AFB, collecting cell and bee samples and more.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.