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Manchester and District Beekeepers’ Association |
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Phone: 0161-747 7292 To contact us: Email: |
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ABOUT MDBKA / QUEEN / WORKER&DRONE / SWARMING / THE SUPER / THE HIVE / BROOD CHAMBER / PESTS & DISEASE / VARROA / AFB / EFB / SHB / CHALKBROOD / ACARINE/ HIVE PRODUCTS / WAX / BOOKS / STINGS / CONTACTS / APRIL NEWS / TUITION / SWARM COLLECTION SERVICE/ NEWSLETTER/ WAX /
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M.& D.B.K.A. |
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Chalkbrood:- Chalkbrood is caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. Infected larvae become chalky white and eventually shrink and harden in the cell. Their mummy like bodies can be found in cells, on the hive floor or dropped outside the hive. The problem is normally seen in hives under stress due to lack of numbers, protein shortage, low temperature in the brood nest or damp hive siting. Re-Queening can solve the problem and empty hives can be cleared of the spores with acetic acid.
Acarine:- Caused by Acarapis woodi Ren nie, a spider-like mite. These mites were discovered by Dr Rennie who was funded by the philanthropist Mr. Wood hence the name. There are no external signs of the disease on the bee and the disease has no effect on the bees flying ability but it does shorten it’s life. The outward signs are large numbers of bees clinging, crawling and fluttering on plants outside the hive. Wings can be partially spread in a “K” shape. Diagnosis can only be confirmed by dissection and a microscopic examination of the first thoratic trachea. When the disease is present the trachea changes from its normal creamy colour by the presence of the mites in the trachea. The only treatments since Folbex was withdrawn are methylsalicylate, fumes of sulphur and Frow mixture.
Nosema:- Caused by Nosema Apis Zander, a spore forming protozoan. The Nosema spore was discover by Prof. Enoch Zander in the early 1900s. The protozoa multiply in the bees ventriculus and impair the digestion of pollen thereby shortening the bees life There can be between 30-50 million spores in the ventriculus when fully in fected. Infected bees show no outward signs but colonies fail to build up normally in Spring. Signs of dysentery will be noticed, i.e. soiled combs and entrance. The only effective treatment is Fumidil “B” which inhibits spore reproduction in the ventriculus. It should be given in Autumn and again in Spring in a syrup in the propor tions of 166mg of Fumidil to 5 ltr of syrup. Empty hives can be sterilised with 80% acetic acid. |
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PESTS AND DISEASES Cont. |
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Fig. 24 Chalkbrood |
