AFB Photo Gallery

We invite all beekeepers to send in their photos of AFB and the destruction of their hives in order to help educate other beekeepers.  Please send your photos to [email protected] with a brief description of each shot.  For best results, the photos need to be in high resolution.

Clicking on an image will open it in a new window and a larger size.

This image shows four cells with clear signs of AFB.  Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image shows four cells with clear signs of AFB. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This heavily infected AFB frame shows what AFB infected capped cells look like. Note the darkened infected caps with a greasy and sunken appearance. Also note the variety of capping perforations present. The perforations range from tiny pin sized holes through to large chewed caps.  Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This heavily infected AFB frame shows what AFB infected capped cells look like. Note the darkened infected caps with a greasy and sunken appearance. Also note the variety of capping perforations present. The perforations range from tiny pin sized holes through to large chewed caps. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture shows the difficulty of finding AFB in older frames or deteriorated hives. An infected pupa complete with pupal tongue well away from the brood area. Located on its own within crystallized honey and pollen remains. The matchstick helps show the small size. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture shows the difficulty of finding AFB in older frames or deteriorated hives. An infected pupa complete with pupal tongue well away from the brood area. Located on its own within crystallized honey and pollen remains. The matchstick helps show the small size. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
AFB larvae collapses to the bottom of the cell. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
AFB larvae collapses to the bottom of the cell. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
The “pupal tongue” -definitive sign of AFB.  Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
The “pupal tongue” -definitive sign of AFB. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates the colour and texture of 2 AFB infected cells found in the interim stage between coffee coloured (and able to be roped out) and a desiccated hard black scale. Note the uniform colour, texture and 'jam' like look. at this stage the contents continue to have a glossy appearance.  Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates the colour and texture of 2 AFB infected cells found in the interim stage between coffee coloured (and able to be roped out) and a desiccated hard black scale. Note the uniform colour, texture and 'jam' like look. at this stage the contents continue to have a glossy appearance. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates an AFB infected pupa complete with its pupal tongue that has collapsed and dessicated down into the bottom of the cell. Note how the scale of the body can be observed with a curved concave appearance.  Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates an AFB infected pupa complete with its pupal tongue that has collapsed and dessicated down into the bottom of the cell. Note how the scale of the body can be observed with a curved concave appearance. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image demonstrates the smooth glossy texture of an AFB infected larvae. Note the manner in which the infected material clings to the cell wall at the entrance and the stick. A dry stick with a rough texture works best. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image demonstrates the smooth glossy texture of an AFB infected larvae. Note the manner in which the infected material clings to the cell wall at the entrance and the stick. A dry stick with a rough texture works best. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
Infected AFB larva that died at the pupal stage.  The white margins of the body are still clearly visible.  Photo courtesy of Murray Rixon
Infected AFB larva that died at the pupal stage. The white margins of the body are still clearly visible. Photo courtesy of Murray Rixon
Pupal tongue in cell surrounded by cells with fresh eggs - photo provided by Jason Ward
Pupal tongue in cell surrounded by cells with fresh eggs - photo provided by Jason Ward
Uncapping a sunken perforated cell exposed an AFB infected larva that died at pupal stage. Note infected cell surrounded by cells containing fresh eggs - photo supplied by Jason Ward
Uncapping a sunken perforated cell exposed an AFB infected larva that died at pupal stage. Note infected cell surrounded by cells containing fresh eggs - photo supplied by Jason Ward
After uncapping odd sunken perforated cells surrounded by cells with new eggs. Infected cells with signs of AFB were found. AFB larva that died at pupal stage (top) and AFB larva that died at pre-pupal stage (bottom) - photo supplied by Jason Ward
After uncapping odd sunken perforated cells surrounded by cells with new eggs. Infected cells with signs of AFB were found. AFB larva that died at pupal stage (top) and AFB larva that died at pre-pupal stage (bottom) - photo supplied by Jason Ward
This photo illustrates five dessicated shiny black scale. Scale adhere firmly to the cell floor and do not pull out with a matchstick. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This photo illustrates five dessicated shiny black scale. Scale adhere firmly to the cell floor and do not pull out with a matchstick. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This photo illustrates something quite unusual. The cell in the centre has two bee pupa in one cell. Both have collapsed with AFB and both are displaying a pupal tongue. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This photo illustrates something quite unusual. The cell in the centre has two bee pupa in one cell. Both have collapsed with AFB and both are displaying a pupal tongue. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates an opened cell featuring a later developing AFB infection. The collapse of the developing bee can be seen clearly. The head shows partial development. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates an opened cell featuring a later developing AFB infection. The collapse of the developing bee can be seen clearly. The head shows partial development. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates a decomposed slumped early pupal infection. Note the tongue and mouth parts were only beginning to form and are therefore much smaller than typically seen. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates a decomposed slumped early pupal infection. Note the tongue and mouth parts were only beginning to form and are therefore much smaller than typically seen. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image shows a common response to gentle stiring of an afb infected cell. Note the bee on the right beginning to lick at the material. Usually a cell with a stick left behind as evidence will be empty within hours. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image shows a common response to gentle stiring of an afb infected cell. Note the bee on the right beginning to lick at the material. Usually a cell with a stick left behind as evidence will be empty within hours. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture illustrates a completely collapsed body leaving only slender mouth parts and tongue upstanding.
At this stage the contents of the cell are able to be 'roped out' This would not be the case if left for several weeks. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture illustrates a completely collapsed body leaving only slender mouth parts and tongue upstanding. At this stage the contents of the cell are able to be 'roped out' This would not be the case if left for several weeks. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates another variation in colour and appearance of a decomposing pupa. In bright sunlight, the head and body appear very pale. The mouth cartilage and tongue can be seen clearly. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates another variation in colour and appearance of a decomposing pupa. In bright sunlight, the head and body appear very pale. The mouth cartilage and tongue can be seen clearly. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture illustrates a decomposing pupa lower centre complete with head and pupal tongue. Note how bees have opened the capping up 90% and then stopped. The photo also shows a healthy cell capping top left, a young larvae lower centre and pollen stored in cells lower right. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture illustrates a decomposing pupa lower centre complete with head and pupal tongue. Note how bees have opened the capping up 90% and then stopped. The photo also shows a healthy cell capping top left, a young larvae lower centre and pollen stored in cells lower right. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates how glossy and smooth afb is close up. It will typically rope out 3cm or so and do so several times.  It is of an even consistency. There are no lumps or areas of variable colour. It cannot be removed in one scoop. Note also, how it adheres to the edge of the cell when stirred. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates how glossy and smooth afb is close up. It will typically rope out 3cm or so and do so several times. It is of an even consistency. There are no lumps or areas of variable colour. It cannot be removed in one scoop. Note also, how it adheres to the edge of the cell when stirred. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates how visible afb scale can be in light honeycomb on a sunny day. On the contrary, dark comb on a gloomy day requires a bright head torch for ease of spotting. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates how visible afb scale can be in light honeycomb on a sunny day. On the contrary, dark comb on a gloomy day requires a bright head torch for ease of spotting. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image shows two decomposing pupa side by side. Note the slight colour variation and shape difference with the two pupa. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image shows two decomposing pupa side by side. Note the slight colour variation and shape difference with the two pupa. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates five AFB infected larvae and pupa. The fifth row from top shows three quite different slumping stages of larvae. This picture also demonstrates two stages of pupal infection where mouth parts and tongue are visible. The lower right shows how much the animal shrinks away as it desiccated. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates five AFB infected larvae and pupa. The fifth row from top shows three quite different slumping stages of larvae. This picture also demonstrates two stages of pupal infection where mouth parts and tongue are visible. The lower right shows how much the animal shrinks away as it desiccated. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates partial cell capping removal and from the dark within, mouth cartilage and tongue in early development. Notable is that in this case only a small item is visible at first glance. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates partial cell capping removal and from the dark within, mouth cartilage and tongue in early development. Notable is that in this case only a small item is visible at first glance. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates how bees partially open up an afb infected cell. Note how some capping remains. Also note, you can see the oval shapes of the early pupal eyes, the mouth cartilage and tongue. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates how bees partially open up an afb infected cell. Note how some capping remains. Also note, you can see the oval shapes of the early pupal eyes, the mouth cartilage and tongue. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates the slumped coffee coloured larvae. Note the shiny appearance, the even tone of colour and the way a slumping larvae appears to rise up at the back. Also visible is the remains of very early pupal head parts. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates the slumped coffee coloured larvae. Note the shiny appearance, the even tone of colour and the way a slumping larvae appears to rise up at the back. Also visible is the remains of very early pupal head parts. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates two decomposing larvae. The brown/black prepupal heads are foreground in the cells. Note the distinct coffee colour in comparison to healthy eggs and larvae. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates two decomposing larvae. The brown/black prepupal heads are foreground in the cells. Note the distinct coffee colour in comparison to healthy eggs and larvae. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture illustrates the slumping of a larvae. Note the faint horizontal lines and the appearance of rising up at the rear. Also note the very pale colour as this picture is at an early stage and photographed on a sunny day.  Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This picture illustrates the slumping of a larvae. Note the faint horizontal lines and the appearance of rising up at the rear. Also note the very pale colour as this picture is at an early stage and photographed on a sunny day. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates the coffee colour development in two larvae. Note also the horizontal lines sometimes seen that is referred to as 'loss of body segmentation'.  Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates the coffee colour development in two larvae. Note also the horizontal lines sometimes seen that is referred to as 'loss of body segmentation'. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon

AFB roping out – video courtesy of Dan Childs.

AFB roping out – video courtesy of Tom Hurford

Roping out - note the consistent colour and texture. It is shiny and there are no lumps or solids - Murray Rixon
Roping out - note the consistent colour and texture. It is shiny and there are no lumps or solids - Murray Rixon
Ropiness test - photo courtesy of Neil Davidson
Ropiness test - photo courtesy of Neil Davidson
Ropiness test - photo courtesy of Neil Davidson
Ropiness test - photo courtesy of Neil Davidson
Ropiness test - photo courtesy of Neil Davidson
Ropiness test - photo courtesy of Neil Davidson
This image illustrates two decomposing larvae. The brown/black prepupal heads are foreground in the cells. Note the distinct coffee colour in comparison to healthy eggs and larvae. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
This image illustrates two decomposing larvae. The brown/black prepupal heads are foreground in the cells. Note the distinct coffee colour in comparison to healthy eggs and larvae. Photo supplied by Murray Rixon
Photo shows AFB infected material roping out using ultra violet light. It is at the point where the material is narrowing and is about to separate. There are no inclusions or lumps.  It is even in consistency - Murray Rixon
Photo shows AFB infected material roping out using ultra violet light. It is at the point where the material is narrowing and is about to separate. There are no inclusions or lumps. It is even in consistency - Murray Rixon
Photo shows a partially desiccated AFB infected pupae complete with the erect mouth parts cartilage (pupal tongue) - Murray Rixon
Photo shows a partially desiccated AFB infected pupae complete with the erect mouth parts cartilage (pupal tongue) - Murray Rixon
Photo is a close up showing a desiccated AFB pupae with visible mouth parts cartilage (pupal tongue) - Murray Rixon
Photo is a close up showing a desiccated AFB pupae with visible mouth parts cartilage (pupal tongue) - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates late onset of AFB. Notable is head still present c/w cartilage (tongue), body slumping, wrinkly, off colour - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates late onset of AFB. Notable is head still present c/w cartilage (tongue), body slumping, wrinkly, off colour - Murray Rixon
Burning AFB infected hives - Murray Rixon
Burning AFB infected hives - Murray Rixon
AFB Pupal Scale photo courtesy of Bob Russell
AFB Pupal Scale photo courtesy of Bob Russell
Photo illustrates the coffee coloured AFB. Note the loss of body segments - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates the coffee coloured AFB. Note the loss of body segments - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB scale. It is shiny black and found adhering to the lower cell wall. It is difficult to remove.  It will fluoresce under UV light - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB scale. It is shiny black and found adhering to the lower cell wall. It is difficult to remove. It will fluoresce under UV light - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB roping out to approx 30mm. Note the consistent colour and texture. There are no other colors,  lumps or areas that are watery. It is just prior to snapping off - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB roping out to approx 30mm. Note the consistent colour and texture. There are no other colors, lumps or areas that are watery. It is just prior to snapping off - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB being roped out. Note the consistent colour and texture. Also note how the material is thinning prior to snapping off - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB being roped out. Note the consistent colour and texture. Also note how the material is thinning prior to snapping off - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB during roping out with a match. Note how the AFB is shiny and adhering to the match. The colour is coffee like. The texture can be described as similar to caramello chocolate - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB during roping out with a match. Note how the AFB is shiny and adhering to the match. The colour is coffee like. The texture can be described as similar to caramello chocolate - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB found under a perforated cap. Note the mouthparts cartilage (pupal tongue) and the shiny appearance - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB found under a perforated cap. Note the mouthparts cartilage (pupal tongue) and the shiny appearance - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates slumped AFB including the pre pupal head parts. Note the partial cappings present - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates slumped AFB including the pre pupal head parts. Note the partial cappings present - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates a slumped AFB larvae complete with loss of body segments and consequential horizontal lines. Note that the bees had removed 90% of the cell capping but not removed the infected material - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates a slumped AFB larvae complete with loss of body segments and consequential horizontal lines. Note that the bees had removed 90% of the cell capping but not removed the infected material - Murray Rixon
Frame with AFB - photo from Jonny Long
Frame with AFB - photo from Jonny Long
Frame with AFB - photo from Jonny Long
Frame with AFB - photo from Jonny Long
This image illustrates AFB contents having been stirred slowly. It has not been aerated by whisking. It remains shiny and glossy. Afb does not contain lumps and has an even colour and texture - Murray Rixon
This image illustrates AFB contents having been stirred slowly. It has not been aerated by whisking. It remains shiny and glossy. Afb does not contain lumps and has an even colour and texture - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB scale. It is shiny black, hardened, difficult to remove. Will fluoresce under UV light - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB scale. It is shiny black, hardened, difficult to remove. Will fluoresce under UV light - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB scale. It is shiny, hard, difficult to remove and not obvious without looking carefully.  Note the pre pupal head also present and desiccated - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB scale. It is shiny, hard, difficult to remove and not obvious without looking carefully. Note the pre pupal head also present and desiccated - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates two views of AFB on a frame. On the left side is an example of late onset AFB c/w coffee colour and cartilage (pupal tongue) and to the right is a slumped AFB larvae with loss of segmentation - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates two views of AFB on a frame. On the left side is an example of late onset AFB c/w coffee colour and cartilage (pupal tongue) and to the right is a slumped AFB larvae with loss of segmentation - Murray Rixon
AFB ropiness test on newly killed AFB affected larva photo courtesy of Chris Crook
AFB ropiness test on newly killed AFB affected larva photo courtesy of Chris Crook
Making a killed AFB positive hive bee proof and preparing it for safe transport to the burning pit, photo courtesy of Chris Crook
Making a killed AFB positive hive bee proof and preparing it for safe transport to the burning pit, photo courtesy of Chris Crook
Burning of AFB infected hive in backyard, photo courtesy of Chris Crook
Burning of AFB infected hive in backyard, photo courtesy of Chris Crook
Burning AFB infected hive, photo courtesy of John Graham
Burning AFB infected hive, photo courtesy of John Graham
Frame with AFB, photo courtesy of Kintail
Frame with AFB, photo courtesy of Kintail
AFB affected larva at pupal stage, courtesy of Kintail
AFB affected larva at pupal stage, courtesy of Kintail
Photo illustrates AFB larvae as often found.  Light coffee colour or tea with milk. Note the colour often darkens as the disease progresses.  The slumped larvae is slightly domed, shiny and also note the partial capping still present - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB larvae as often found. Light coffee colour or tea with milk. Note the colour often darkens as the disease progresses. The slumped larvae is slightly domed, shiny and also note the partial capping still present - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB where we are looking at a spotty brood pattern. Note the various perforated cappings inc one cell where the AFB is visible within the cell - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB where we are looking at a spotty brood pattern. Note the various perforated cappings inc one cell where the AFB is visible within the cell - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB slumped in a cell surrounded by eggs. Note the bees have removed 90% of the cell cap but not yet removed the infected contents - Murray Rixon
Photo illustrates AFB slumped in a cell surrounded by eggs. Note the bees have removed 90% of the cell cap but not yet removed the infected contents - Murray Rixon
AFB killed larva at pupal stage AFB, courtesy of Kintail
AFB killed larva at pupal stage AFB, courtesy of Kintail
Close up AFB sign at pupal stage notice larva's skin broke while uncapping and ropiness of larva content, photo courtesy of Kintail
Close up AFB sign at pupal stage notice larva's skin broke while uncapping and ropiness of larva content, photo courtesy of Kintail
Fine Pupal Tongue & Scale
Fine Pupal Tongue & Scale
Pupal Tongue - courtesy of Paula Stapleton
Pupal Tongue - courtesy of Paula Stapleton
AFB Roping Out
AFB Roping Out
Pupal Tongue courtesy of Bob Russell
Pupal Tongue courtesy of Bob Russell
Roping Out
Roping Out
AFB Roping Out
AFB Roping Out
AFB Roping Out
AFB Roping Out
AFB infected brood cells cappings at early stages don't necessarily show very different colour from healthy capped brood
AFB infected brood cells cappings at early stages don't necessarily show very different colour from healthy capped brood
Diseased pupa with tongue
Diseased pupa with tongue
Diseased pupa with tongue
Diseased pupa with tongue
Roping out - photo courtesy of Bob Russell
Roping out - photo courtesy of Bob Russell
Scale - photo courtesy of Bob Russell
Scale - photo courtesy of Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
AFB infected larvae at pupal stage - Bob Russell
Pupal tongue surrounded by colourful pollen - photo by Mark Lawrence
Pupal tongue surrounded by colourful pollen - photo by Mark Lawrence
Pupal Tongue
Pupal Tongue
Pupal Tongue
Pupal Tongue
Roping out - photo by Tim Sharp
Roping out - photo by Tim Sharp
Greasy sunken perforated cells, pupal tongue and pre-pupal AFB scale in dead out hive - photo courtesy of Lott Larson
Greasy sunken perforated cells, pupal tongue and pre-pupal AFB scale in dead out hive - photo courtesy of Lott Larson

Video courtesy of Blake Cole

AFB Quiz
Take the AFB 5 minute quiz

How well do you know what you need to know about AFB and beekeeping? Take our short quiz and find out.

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.

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