Wow. I had a bad day at the hives yesterday.
Most of my 6 hives are doing fine, some better than others, but something didn't look right on one of them. I could see a lot of dead, discolored larvae on the landing board.
I opened it up and saw a lot of dead tan or light brown larvae that looked bloated or twisted in the cell. Some of the cells had nasty brown or grey goo in them. I tried the rope test, but it did not seem ropey at all.
I also noticed multiple eggs per cell, connected to the sides of the cell, so it looks like I have laying workers also.
I could really use some advice on this. All of a sudden I have that bad feeling that I'm in over my head. :-P
Thanks,
-John
Link for european foulbrood
http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/bkcd/bee_diseases/EFB.html
and
link for american foulbrood.
http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/bkCD/Bee_Diseases/AFB.html
If its AFB, it is very contagious and your hive needs to be incinerated on the spot. If you really suspect either foulbrood, it may be time to call in your ag dept. EFB is easy to fix, AFB not a chance.
I am no expert on diseases, so check w/ ag dept or bee club for advice.
Drone,
Give the State Inspector a call right NOW!
Don Hopkins is the NC head inspector.....his numbers are (919) 233-8214 (land) and 218-3310 (cell).
Don may refer you to Will Hicks who is an inspector for Wake County. Will's number is (336) 599-6345.
Hope I am overreacting but I would rather be safe than gooey.
Please post what they find!