AFB

[Understudy]

American Foul Brood(AFB)
How prevalent is AFB still in the states?
Are there sections of the US where it is more common that others?
Is it only possible for AFB to thrive in beehives?

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Robo]

Good questions.

I haven't seen any in decades. 

I don't recall it being discussed much here on the forums either, if that is any indication.   Just speculating,  but I wonder if varroa wiped out the marginal beekeepers that where harboring it.

[Cindi]

Brendhan, I agree with Rob, those are good questions.

During my first year with beekeeping, learning about AFB seemed the most important bee issue to learn about.  But, then it seemed that it changed the focus to varroa destructor.  I have not had any issues with AFB, maybe a little EFB last year, but that was shortlived and gone away fast.  The mites are the issues that I think most beekeepers are really struggling with these days.  Haven't heard much about AFB around here either.  Have a wonderful day, beauty of our lives we live.  Cindi

[Scadsobees]

It is still around, and even getting anti-biotic resistant, which is why Tylan was approved.

It is still a bane, and the best treatment is still a bonfire.  Just not as common as mites.

[annette]

Beekeeper 2 miles up the road from me had to burn one hive a couple of years ago due to AFB. He has 65 hives.

Annette

[Michael Bush]

AFB resistance is directly linked to hygienic behavior.  Varroa resistance is directly linked to hygienic behavior.  I'm guessing the Varroa are wiping out the susceptible  bees.

[Cindi]

Michael, ooooo.  Now isn't that an interesting aspect of disease control  :)  I like that thought.  Have a wonderful day, best of this greater life.  Cindi

[Understudy]

I sent my questions to Jerry Hayes Chief Inspector for the state of Florida.

Interesting question Brendhan. In Florida we hover around 2%-3% level.
And I can tell you exactly why it is so low. Florida has an Inspection
Service that works with beekeepers to ID and then eliminate and treat.
We accept colonies from other States that do not have an Inspection
Service and their rate of AFB is in high double digits all the time when
we inspect them here in Florida. We are providing a service for other
States that they do not pay for in order to protect our Beekeepers. Not
fair to us but it is what it is. Thanks  Jerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Understudy
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 2:06 PM
To: Ellis,James
Cc: Hayes, Jerry
Subject: AFB

Hi Jamie and Jerry,

I recently posted this question on the beemaster forums but why not ask
two experts.
American Foul Brood(AFB)
How prevalent is AFB still in the states?
Are there sections of the US where it is more common that others?
Is it only possible for AFB to thrive in beehives?

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[TwT]

good investigation brendhan, I know a lot of northern beekeepers keep their hives in Florida for winter, could you find what state the high percentage comes from they find with AFB?