1426 Department of Agricultuke 



DISEASES OF BEES 



EUROPEAN FOUL BROOD 



Prevalence 



The prevailing bee disease iu this state is supposed to have 

 originated in Schoharie County, about the year 1895, and 

 spread with such rapidity as to cause fearful havoc among the 

 bees of that county, completely destroying many large apiaries. 

 The infection has also extended to adjoining counties. It has 

 been controlled and in some cases suppressed in these counties, 

 but it now api^ears from time to time in several parts of the 

 state. The combined energy and perseverance of the inspectors 

 and of all beekeepers in the infected districts will be necessary 

 to abate this scourge. 



Cause 



The disease is caused by the presence of a specific germ known 

 at present as Bacillus pluton, according to the best authority, 

 which is present in this disease, and which develops in the larva, 

 usually resulting in death in the larva stage. 



Appearance 

 The healthy larva are of a pearly whiteness and lie curled 

 around the bottom of the cells, but when attacked with this disease 

 they change to a yellowish tint and occasionally show a small black 

 dot on the upper side ; dying, they settle down to the lower side of 

 the cells and continue to grow darker in color until brown or 

 black, emitting a sickening odor. 



The Bacillus and Its Spores 

 Later in the life history of the bacilli, spores are produced. 

 These form the resting stage of the bacilli and may bo compared 

 to the seed of higher plants that are ready to germinate as soon 

 as they are placed in suitable ground. These spores are innumer- 

 able and cover to a greater or less extent the combs, frames and 

 every portion of the inside of the hive, including honey and 

 pollen ; therefore, if any honey, comb, etc., from diseased colonies 

 come in contact with sanu' in lioalthy colonies, they would prob- 

 ably contract the disease. There is also great danger of contami- 

 nation through robbing. 



