Laboratory diagnosis of AFB

Samples suitable for laboratory testing

Getting suspect material tested for AFB spores can be a useful tool in eliminating AFB. Also samples of abnormal brood can be examined in the laboratory for the presence of AFB spores. It is also possible to test samples of bees or honey from beehives for the presence of spores. See more on sample types.

What the tests involve

Two tests are used. The first is a microscopic analysis, and is only used for samples of suspect larvae or pupae. The test involves making a smear on a microscope slide, fixing the smear to the slide using heat and carbol fuchsin stain, and then examining the smear for AFB spores using the oil immersion objective of a microscope. The total magnification required is 1000x.

The second test is a culture test, and involves growing out bacterial cultures of AFB. The test can be used with samples of adult bees, honey, or suspect larvae/pupae, and can be carried out in a home laboratory. A dilution of the sample is prepared, and then heated at 92°C for 20 minutes to kill all competing bacteria, but not the AFB spores. A small amount of the liquid is applied to a Petri dish containing sterile brain heart infusion agar, and then the plate is incubated at 37°C for three days. The plate is then inspected for the presence of AFB bacterial colonies.

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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