[IN1272] Identification and Treatment of European Foulbrood in Honey Bee Colonies

European foulbrood (EFB), Melissococcus plutonius, is a bacterial disease that affects Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) brood. EFB is found on all continents where A. mellifera is kept, making it a concern to beekeepers everywhere. EFB can be confused with American foulbrood (AFB), Paenibacillus larvae, because they have similar life cycles and colonies infected by both show similar signs of disease. However, EFB is less serious than is AFB since M. plutonius does not form spores while AFB does. Consequently, EFB can be treated while AFB cannot. Beekeepers must be able to identify EFB and differentiate between it and AFB to manage their colonies effectively and prevent the spread of both diseases.