Beekeeping equipment
The role of beekeeping equipment in the spread of AFB
Unless a hive tool or the finger of a bee glove is inserted directly into AFB infected cells (e.g. to perform the ropiness test), it is unlikely that these pieces of equipment will carry sufficiently large numbers of spores to be a major factor in the spread of AFB.
The honey extractor is also unlikely to be a major factor. Infected honey may be transferred between frames during the extracting process, however the amount will be insignificant compared with the amount contained on a wet super coming directly from an AFB infected hive.
Nevertheless, beekeepers should still take precautions to ensure that their gloves, hive tools and extractors are clean, especially after handling an AFB infected hive. This is preferable to a total lack of beekeeping equipment hygiene.
With the exception of hive tools, beekeeping equipment is probably not important in the spread of AFB.
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.