1430 Department of Agriculture 



Bacillus alvei is not found in this disease, but instead a bac- 

 terium recently named Bacillus larvae. The dead larva are at 

 first of a light chocolate color, but gradually turn to a very dark 

 brown, forming a thin scale on the lower side of the cell which is 

 very tenacious and seldom removed by the bees. Before the dead 

 larva dry out they consist of a viscous or ropy fluid which may 

 be dra%vn out of the cell several inches without breaking. There 

 is also a rank odor present in the hive at this stage of the disease. 



In this disease fewer of the larva die before the cells are capped. 

 The capping of these cells when containing dead larva are more 

 or less sunken, of a darker shade and often perforated. 



In either form of foul brood, the capped cells are usually 

 scattering, presenting a mottled appearance of the comb, which is 

 a striking characteristic of the disease, on opening a colony in 

 which it is well advanced. At this stage the adult bees are also 

 rather listless and apparently discouraged. 



The same treatment and management is recommended as that 

 given for European foul brood. Treatment number one should be 

 followed in this disease. 



PICKLED BROOD 



This is a peculiar disease of the larva which causes death at 

 about the time of capping of same; sometimes just before. 



At this time they are of a light brown color, and have a dis- 

 tended, dropsical appearance. 



The skin is rather tough and filled with a watery fluid. The 

 larva usually lie on their backs and lengthwise of the cells, both 

 ends sharply pointed, sometimes having black heads. There is 

 but little if any odor in this disease. The cause is yet unde- 

 termined. It is not considered a contagious disease, nor very 

 serious in its effects. In ordinary cases, the bees readily clean 

 out the dead larva a little later. 



PALSY OR PARALYSIS 



This is a disease of the adult bees only. Often only a few 

 scattering colonies in an apiary will be affected by it, but there are 

 pases on record where whole apiaries have been thus affected. As 



