Differential diagnosis
Other diseases can look like AFB
There are a number of problems affecting honey bee brood that have symptoms similar to AFB.
Diseases and conditions that can be mistaken for AFB include sacbrood, chalkbrood, parasitic mite syndrome and half-moon syndrome. This section describes the symptoms of these diseases and conditions, and explains how the symptoms differ from AFB.
Know the life stage of the honey bee
The first step is to become familiar with the life stages of a honey bee (Fig. 34–42) so that any abnormal symptoms will be recognised.
Effective differential diagnosis often relies on comparing a set of symptoms, rather than concentrating on a single symptom, and looking at a range of larvae and pupae in the hive.
If there is any question about the symptoms of a particular larva or pupa, the entire colony should always be checked for further symptoms. If a definitive symptom is found, the beekeeper should still confirm the diagnosis by searching for three or four more diseased larvae or pupae elsewhere in the hive.
Differences between common diseases
See the major differences at a glance.
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.