American Foulbrood
American Foulbrood is a serious bacterial disease that affects honeybee colonies, specifically targeting the larvae. The disease is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, which infects the brood and can lead to the death of entire colonies if not managed properly. Infected larvae become discolored and eventually die, leaving a sticky, dark residue in the cells.
Control measures for American Foulbrood include the destruction of infected hives and the use of antibiotics, although the latter is not always recommended due to potential resistance. Beekeepers are encouraged to regularly inspect their colonies for signs of the disease to ensure the health of their bees and the surrounding ecosystem.