272 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



slight, and in a locality where a few years ago practically all 

 the colonies were found infected, to-day this infection has 

 been reduced or held in check until but a small percentage 

 of colonies are now found diseased. Furthermore, thrifty 

 beekeepers have learned to rid themselves of disease as soon 

 as it makes its appearance in their yards. Experience shows, 

 moreover, that reinfection may often be attributed to careless 

 or thoughtless methods. 



Diseases of the Year. — It is becoming more and more 

 pronounced that American foul brood is being materially les- 

 sened or decreased throughout the State. But 32 apiaries 

 showed infection with this disease, 27 of which were satis- 

 factorily treated before the season closed. 



European foul brood has a country-wide reputation for 

 treacherousness and persistence. It seems to be sporadic, 

 fluctuating and difficult to diagnose in its early stages. For 

 years it has been recognized as a disease which spreads with 

 great rapidity, and one which is difficult to combat or sup- 

 press. On the other hand, its ravages are perhaps less fatal 

 than those of American foul brood, especially where intelli- 

 gent methods are employed. The inspectors throughout 

 eastern United States found European foul brood particu- 

 larly plentiful during the year 1913. Moreover, it seems 

 especially virile and active. The peculiar weather condi- 

 tions doubtless had their influence. There were found in 

 Massachusetts 214 apiaries infected with this disorder, of 

 which 169 were released, having complied with the inspec- 

 tors' instructions prior to the close of the season. 



Sacbrood, which was formerly known as the so-called 

 " pickled brood," was found in 23 apiaries. This disease, 

 while it reduces the efficiency of the colonies in which it is 

 present, is not thought to be serious, and usually rectifies 

 itself, especially with the introduction of a new queen. It is, 

 however, a specific infection, being activated by a so-called 

 " filterable virus." 



The office has received a considerable number of samples 

 of brood and comb for diagnosis, which reveals the active in- 

 terest of the beekeepers in checking infection which they 

 have thought occurred in their yards. 



