By RITESHNI SINGH, Ministry of Agriculture
There has recently been another re-emergence of American Foulbrood (AFB) in honey bees around Karavi, Raviravi,Valele, and Waiwai in Ba and Rakiraki in the Western Division.
Director for Animal Health and Production Division, Tomasi Tunabuna said since the first case in May this year the Ministry of Agriculture has been actively surveying farms in these areas.
This is done to help farmers control the disease.
“American Foulbrood (AFB) is a serious disease of honey bees caused by a spore forming bacteria called Paenibacillus larvae which is found worldwide,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“The bacteria kills honey bee larvae in the brood cells. Typicallyin infected hives the colony has a mottled look due to empty cells, there may be a typical smell, and the brood has a characteristically slimy or ropey appearance.”
“AFB is spread by bacterial spores formed in infected larvae which are very resistant and survive many years.
“The disease is spread by transfer of wax, of queens, in exchange of combs, by contaminated honey or contaminated equipment and is often spread by the bees themselves when they rob honey from infected hives.”
“There is no known cure for AFB once it infects a hive and there is no effective way of disinfecting a wooden hive. A hive infected with AFB it is a hazard to all hives in the surrounding area for a distance of about two kilometres,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“Burning and burial of infected hives is the most effective way of removing this hazard.”
“If discovered early, a farmer may only lose one or two hives but if left alone he may lose all of them and perhaps spread the disease to neighbouring farms.”
The ministry thanked Fiji Bee-Keepers Association for their continued support for this campaign to control AFB and lessen its effect on the growing honey industry in Fiji.
“We also urge all honey bee farmers to report any suspected cases immediately to their nearest agriculture office so that prompt action can be taken to minimize losses,” said Mr Tunabuna.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will also assist the rehabilitation program to assist farms that had been seriously affected by AFB.”