Classroom Based Learning

The classroom based AFB Recognition and Refresher Courses are an excellent option for those beekeepers that are wanting to attend the training and sit the assessment in person.  Where possible, classroom  based courses will have an AFB infected frame available for beekeepers to study.
The classroom based courses will continue to run in parallel with our online training options.

2023 AFB Recognition Courses and AFB Recognition Refresher courses are now available for registrations using the links below!

If you are familiar with AFB and wish to sit the assessment without attending a course, you are welcome to do this via a proctor.

Classroom based information:

  1. Most AFB Recognition courses starts at 9am and finish at approximately 3pm.
  2. There is a break for lunch then completion of the course and assessment in the afternoon. Applicants must bring their own lunch and any drinks they will require for the day.
  3. The classroom based courses are limited to 25 paid participants – they will be listed as full once this limit has been reached.
  4. Where possible, an infected AFB frame will be available for beekeepers to see symptoms of AFB in person.
  5. If you are unable to make it to any of our locations, but feel confident in your knowledge of AFB, you may like to consider sitting the assessment via proctor.
  6. The AFB Refresher course runs for 2 hours with no assessment included
  7. The assessment is now available in Maori, Korean, Filipino and Mandarin (Simplified Chinese). Please email [email protected] if you require the above to be sent to the trainer for your course.

Classroom Based fees:

  • Classroom Based AFB Recognition Course (plus assessment): $100.00 (incl GST)
  • Classroom Based AFB Refresher Course (no assessment): $30.00
  • Sit the test only (no course) via proctor: $50.00 (incl GST)

The DECA process:

By passing the assessment and being fully compliant with the American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan rules for a minimum of 12 months, you will be eligible to apply for a Disease Elimination Conformity Agreement (DECA). Beekeepers that enter into a Disease Elimination Conformity Agreement with The Management Agency are committing to eliminate AFB from their beehives through carrying out the AFB elimination practices and procedures specified in the agreement. In recognition of this commitment The Management Agency provides the beekeeper with an exemption from the Certificate of Inspection requirements.

For further information on the DECA process, please click here.

For Apiculture Students:

If you are completing an Apiculture Course and are required to sit the AFB Recognition Course and assessment, you will need to identify your student number in the comments section of the application form with your student number. As an Apiculture student, you are welcome to complete the course via our online training portal if preferred. Please contact Janette Gwilliam at [email protected] with your student number for this option.

Important:

If you are planning on attending an AFB Recognition Course it is strongly recommended that you purchase and study a copy of the book titled “Elimination of American Foulbrood Disease without the Use of Drugs” commonly referred to as the yellow book. This worthwhile publication can be obtained from:

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.

HiveHub