CHAPTER XV. 



DISEASES AND ENEMIES OF BEES. 



DISEASES. 



The hive-bee (Apis niellifica), like all other animals, 

 especially those under domestication, is subject to 

 several diseases, some fortunately of minor importance. 

 The most injurious are those which attack and destroy 

 the brood, thus preventing the normal development of 

 young bees, and the inevitable result of which, when 

 allowed to run their course, is the rapid decline and 

 ultimate extermination of the colonies affected. 



The most pernicious of bee-diseases is what we know 

 as " foul-brood," a germ disease of a very infectious 

 nature, and only too familiar to the majority of bee- 

 keepers. It is, without doubt, the greatest drawback 

 to successful bee-culture known at the present time, 

 and seems to be prevalent in all countries where bee- 

 culture is followed. 



Recent investigations in America have led the 

 authorities there to distinguish two forms of this 

 disease, one they have named " American," and the 

 other " European," foul brood, but the latter is more 

 frequently spoken of among bee-keepers as " black 

 brood." Objection to the distinguishing names, 

 " American," and " European," has been frequently 

 expressed in England and America as misleading. Be 

 this as it may, however, there are undoubtedly two 

 distinct forms, accompanied chiefly by different bacilli. 

 Dr. G. F. White, bacteriologist, attached to the United 

 States Agricultural Department, who has been the 

 chief investigator there, named the micro-organism 

 associated with "American" foul brood. Bacillus 



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