End of AFB?

[Perry]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/science/scientists-in-guelph-come-one-step-closer-to-saving-the-bees/article22098146/

[LazyBkpr]

Interesting...   Does this actually KILL AFB or is it another put it on hold type of thing? 


For the first time, scientists have identified a toxin released by the pathogen, and come up with a drug that could stop the disease that is prevalent in North America, Europe and other parts of the world.

“What we’ve found is an important factor that we can inhibit in this honeybee disease,”

     It really doesnt say what it does to stop the disease..

   In other news.. the Neonic war posted about int he same article;

Farmers who plant seeds treated with neonics would have to show their fields are susceptible to grubs, worms and other yield-destroying pests.

   ??   Really?   I honestly do not know of ANY fields here in the states that are not susceptible...   Be interesting to see what the criteria for "susceptible" is...

[Jen]

I also found the link to be informative but left loose on the cure. Not only that but there is no long term history on this treatment... would have to watch this treatment for a few years and see what comes up.

Perry and Scott, have either of you dealt with AFB before?

[LazyBkpr]

Not in my own hives. An Amish fellow a couple towns over had it two years ago in ONE of his three hives. Caught it early, and as far as I am aware it did not spread before the fires were started.

[Jen]

I had it my second year, that is some nasty stuff to deal with, Blech. Had to burn the hive, and start over... again. I went back to the keep where I got the infected bees. He said 'Well that's too bad', and gave me another hive. I was so leary and check it often the rest of the year, but no foul brood broke out. Whew!

[Perry]

Unfortunately I've seen it more than most, but mostly because of my inspection gig. When you are going through that many hives you are bound to find some. It is not that rare, and not always the cataclysmic event some think. It is usually an opportunistic problem, taking control over an already bad situation.

[Jen]

Interesting explaination Perry, I think that must have been the first hive I took home from beek with dirty yard, an already opportunistic problem... 

[Perry]

I have some pictures of frames I've found over the last couple of years, but I can't figure out how to post without the "tag" being displayed which has names on it, so better I don't.

[Jen]

When I found the dark concave brood cells, I took a toothpick and pulled out the longs dark brown snot...  I put the hive back together and googled what I saw, and also I was on the 'other forum' and they helped me identify the situation. Nasty Stuff and scary

[Perry]

When you find it once, it "sticks" in your memory. Nasty, and sad.

[Gypsi]

I've never seen AFB, but EFB was quite scary enough. At least I didn't have to burn my hive, just scorched boxes, destroyed all frames or removed comb  depending on what they were made of, wood scorches better than plastic, honeycomb is safer than brood comb.

Bee inspector said just medicate and requeen but I had literally watched it spread through my apiary when I stole honey from a dying hive, so I stole ALL the honey, melted ALL the wax, medicated. Couldn't get queens and really didn't want to, the 2 that survived of my 5 hives had some pretty stout queens.

Pulled through. Ate the honey. still haven't made the candles.