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- American foulbrood is a disease that occurs mainly in summer and early autumn
- There are several factors contributing to the occurrence of the disease during this period
- As beekeepers, we have some options to reduce American foulbrood outbreaks
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Like the recently discussed African swine fever, American foulbrood is highly seasonal. It would seem that both diseases share virtually everything – from the etiological factor, through species, to economic importance. However, in the case of the seasonality of both diseases, we have many similarities. Firstly, the disease period falls at a similar time of the year (but the foulbrood outbreak season begins a little earlier), secondly – in the case of both diseases, this seasonality is clearly influenced by human activity.
Read more What may be the reason for the seasonality of ASF?
When foulbrood outbreaks occur
The table below clearly shows that most American foulbrood outbreaks are confirmed in apiaries between May and October. In other parts of the year, disease outbreaks also occur, but there are much fewer of them, and there are months in which foulbrood is almost completely absent. It is therefore necessary to consider the causes of this seasonality. When talking about the mechanisms governing the seasonal occurrence of foulbrood outbreaks, several aspects should be taken into account.
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Causes of foulbrood seasonality
The main factor favoring the transmission of bacteria and the development of outbreaks is most likely the non-fertile period, which in most apiaries begins in mid-July. This is due to several factors. Firstly, malnourished families become weaker, and in such conditions the disease develops more easily. However, not only weak families are at risk of falling ill. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. Hunger in the apiary forces families to rob nearby tree trunks. In this way, the pathogen is easily transferred not only between apiaries, but also between hives within a given apiary.
Another thing is the high temperature in the summer – it creates favorable conditions for the growth and development of bacteria.
The migratory farming practice of many beekeepers also contributes to the transmission of the disease over longer distances. When transporting colonies in search of honey, we can easily transfer not only bees but also bacteria.
There is one more, quite prosaic, reason for confirming foulbrood outbreaks in spring, summer and early autumn. This is the lack of beekeeping work in the second half of autumn and winter. Even if the disease occurs in a given family, we will not be able to identify it. Hence, among other things, the almost complete absence of illnesses in the period from November to February.
Read more European foulbrood – these are the symptoms you should pay attention to
The risk of foulbrood outbreaks can be reduced
The above data shows that we, as beekeepers, have a real influence on at least some of the risk factors. Of course, no one is forcing us to give up migratory farming (for many apiaries this would be a death sentence), but when transporting colonies we must know whether the transport takes place between areas where foulbrood occurs. We will find out this by reporting the transport of bees to the district veterinary inspectorate, which, let us remind you, is mandatory in the case of movement between different districts.
Also, keeping families strong and well-nourished is primarily the result of our efforts. During fruitless periods, we must ensure that families regularly receive appropriate doses of a nectar substitute (usually sugar syrup), which will protect them from hunger and ensure harmonious development.
