BEEKEEPERS are being urged to keep a lookout for America Foulbrood after detection in hives in the Lower North.
AFB is a notifiable bacterial disease that kills honeybee brood, resulting in the weakening and eventual death of affected hives.
Biosecurity SA Plant and Food Standards general manager Ross Meffin said AFB was spread via infected honeybees, honeybee products and equipment.
As such, it was vital that anyone keeping hives, whether a commercial or backyard keeper, maintain an effective honeybee biosecurity program, he said.
"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," he 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.
Options for dealing with incidences of AFB include the destruction of infected honeybees and the sterilisation or destruction of hive equipment.
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Dr Meffin said this detection also serves as a timely reminder to beekeepers regarding their responsibilities, including ensuring their hive registrations are up to date and managing their hives to prevent both disease spread and nuisance.
"Regular hive management and inspections not only ensure that any disease risk can be dealt with swiftly but also assists in preventing swarming," he said.
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/animal_health/bees
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