Professional Beekeepers

Topic: American foulbrood

Characteristic dark, perforated cell cappings from an American foulbrood infested colony
published - 3 September 2019
By Nadine Chapman, Tom Gillard
American Foulbrood

American Foulbrood is a highly contagious and fatal disease caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. This bacterium can survive for extended periods by forming spores which are resistant to both environmental and chemical stressors. These spores can survive for decades (current estimates at more than 60-80 years) and still initiate …
Read More

, , ,

Managing your hives, Pests and diseases, Policy and compliance

barrier management
published - 22 July 2019
By Nadine Chapman
Barrier management systems

The Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice recommends the implementation of a barrier system that divides the apiary into one or more isolated sub-units and restricts movement of hives and hive components between these sub-units. 
The use of a barrier management system will reduce the risk of spreading pests …
Read More

, , , ,

Managing your hives, Pests and diseases, Policy and compliance, Uncategorized

bee hives
published - 24 June 2019
By Nadine Chapman
Hive management: Autumn & winter

Hive management in autumn is critical to ensuring your hives survive winter. Disease and colony management is best performed in autumn rather than in winter.
Perform a pre-winter inspection in late April or early May on a warm sunny day:

Ensure that all colonies have a laying queen
Colonies without a queen …
Read More

, , , , ,

Managing your hives, Pests and diseases