AN OUTBREAK of America Foulbrood in the Mount Barker area has prompted a warning for beekeepers to be on the lookout for the disease.
AFB is a notifiable bacterial disease that kills honeybee brood, resulting in the weakening and eventual death of affected hives.
Plant and Food Standards at Biosecurity SA general manager Ross Meffin said AFB was spread via infected honeybees, honeybee products and equipment.
As such, he said it was vital anyone keeping hives, whether a commercial or backyard keeper, maintained an effective honeybee biosecurity program.
"Good bee biosecurity is not only crucial to the honeybee industry but also for the agricultural and horticultural sectors that are dependent on honeybee pollination," Dr Meffin said.
"We urge all local beekeepers to be vigilant and thoroughly inspect brood frames for the disease.
"If you find or suspect AFB in your hives, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss diagnosis, sampling and control. If necessary we can organise a visit to undertake an inspection."
Signs of infected brood include:
- Sunken and/or perforated cappings
- Irregular brood pattern
- Discoloured brood - typically light-dark brown
- Brood remains that are ropey, or dried scales adhering to cell base.
Management options for AFB eradication include the destruction of infected honeybees and the sterilisation or destruction of hive equipment.
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Beekeepers' Society of SA president Susan Lonie said this latest detection served as a timely reminder to all beekeepers regarding their responsibilities.
"This includes being registered with PIRSA who can then assist in the event of a disease detection, managing their hives to prevent both disease spread, and nuisance," Ms Lonie said.
"All beekeepers should be regularly inspecting their hives not only for disease, but also to prevent swarming."
To assist beekeepers, disease spread and swarming will be among the topics discussed at the next BSSA meeting on October 7 at Burnside. Contact office@bees.org.au
Beekeepers seeking further information on AFB and other honeybee diseases should visit pir.sa.gov.au/animal_health/bees
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