Inspections and identification

Hive inspections

All brood must be inspected - preferably at 6-12 weekly intervals. It is important to shake all bees from the brood combs before examining for the presence of the disease.

Ensure that hive inspections are carried out in good light, as only a few infected cells may be present in some hives.

Confusing symptoms

Sacbrood, European foulbrood (EFB) and mystery brood disorder could all be confused with American foulbrood (AFB). Occasionally a secondary bacterial infection causes EFB to be ropey.

For correct identification, send a brood sample to Biosecurity Queensland. This is a free service.

Identification service

Biosecurity Queensland can identify samples to determine whether your hives are infected with AFB.

To get a sample, use a clean match and stir the infected cell or cells. Then place the match in a small sample jar and send it to:

Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory
Health and Food Sciences Precinct - Specimen receipt
Loading Block 12
39 Kessels Road
Coopers Plains Qld 4108

Include a completed Specimen Advice Sheet: Form A (PDF, 677.3KB) with the sample.