American Foulbrood (AFB): What Every New Zealand Beekeeper Must Know

Winter 2025 | As published in The New Zealand Beekeeper
Reviewed for accuracy against NZBB and AFB Management Agency guidelines

American Foulbrood (AFB) is one of the most serious diseases affecting honeybee colonies in Aotearoa New Zealand. Known as the “beekeeper’s disease,” AFB spreads primarily through human activity — particularly the sharing or mismanagement of hiveware and equipment.

In this post, we’ll cover how to recognise AFB, your legal obligations, proper quarantine and destruction procedures, and what every responsible beekeeper needs to know to protect our hives, honey, and future.

What Is AFB?

AFB is a bacterial disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae. It only affects the brood (developing bees) and is almost always fatal to the colony. Spores are extremely resilient, surviving for decades on hive equipment and within honey. Once a hive is infected, it must be destroyed.

AFB is not your fault — but your response is your responsibility.

Recognising AFB Symptoms

There are two types of symptoms: definitive signs and common indicators (which may mimic other diseases).

Definitive signs of AFB:

• Ropiness: contents of dead brood stretch into a thread when tested with a matchstick

• Pupal tongue: a dried thread from the head of the dead larva to the cell

• Scale: hard, dark remains of larvae stuck to the lower cell wall

Common indicators:

• Sunken, greasy cappings

• Chewed or perforated cell caps

• Spotty or irregular brood patterns

• Discoloured or slumped larvae

If you’re unsure, call the New Zealand Beekeeping Biosecurity (NZBB) or your local AP2. It’s better to report and be wrong than to let the disease spread.

What To Do If You Find AFB

Under New Zealand law, you must:

1. Notify NZBB immediately (legally within 7 days of discovery)

2. Euthanise the colony (ideally that evening)

3. Burn all contaminated hiveware on-site within 7 days

4. Never sell, give away, or reuse infected bees or equipment

You are not punished for having AFB — but failure to act quickly or follow directions may result in enforcement action or recovery of costs.

How to Euthanise & Destroy an Infected Hive

1. After dusk, seal the hive entrance (and any mesh bases).

2. Pour 500ml petrol over the open brood frames and close the lid.

3. Wait 10 minutes — all bees will be dead from the fumes.

4. Next day: burn the entire hive in a shallow pit (at least 30cm deep).

5. Cover embers with soil to prevent honey robbing from spreading spores.

If you cannot burn on-site, contact your local AP1 to arrange approved destruction elsewhere.

Understanding Quarantine

Quarantine isn’t just a place — it’s a practice. The goal is to prevent cross-contamination between hives and apiaries.

• Hive quarantine: no equipment is shared between hives

• Apiary quarantine: equipment used only within the same yard

• Area quarantine: gear is assigned to regional groups (e.g. north vs south)

Always disinfect tools between hives, and avoid using hiveware across different locations unless sterilised.

Used Hiveware: A Risk Factor

Used hiveware is a major vector for AFB. Spores can survive on wood, wax, or plastic for decades — even if no brood is present and no symptoms are visible.

Tip: If buying or receiving used equipment, always test it first or consult NZBB. Swabbing and lab testing are available to detect spore loads.

Swarms & AFB

Swarms may look healthy — but they can carry contaminated honey.

To reduce the risk:

• Hive swarms on undrawn foundation, not old comb

• This delays brood rearing and helps bees consume any contaminated honey safely

• Avoid using brand-new gear; if AFB appears, you won’t lose valuable equipment

Your Legal Responsibilities

Every registered beekeeper in NZ must:

• Submit a Colony Return by 1 June each year

• Pay a levy ($40 per beekeeper + $1.90 per hive)

• Submit an Annual Disease Return (ADR)

• Complete a Certificate of Inspection (COI) (1 Aug–30 Nov)

  • Either by a DECA holder or by yourself if you hold a DECA (Disease Elimination Conformity Agreement)

Visit nzbb.org.nz for step-by-step resources and downloadable forms.

AFB Management Resources

• NZBB: Oversees AFB elimination in NZ
  www.nzbb.org.nz

• MPI Fact Sheet:
  Download here

• AFB Recognition Course: Highly recommended

• Books: Eliminating AFB, Practical Beekeeping in NZ

• Videos:

  • Ecrotek AFB Videos

Final Thought

Anyone can get AFB — even the most experienced beekeepers. What matters is how you respond.

Staying vigilant, acting quickly, and following best practices ensures we protect not only our own apiaries, but the entire beekeeping ecosystem of New Zealand.