4 FARMEES BXJLLETIN 975. 



gation of bee-disease control was inaugurated by the Bureau of Ento- 

 mology it was recognized that this name was not well chosen, for 

 black is not the predominating color of the dead larvae. If any color 

 designation were to be used, yellow would be best, but color is not a 

 safe guide, as this is a variable symptom. Any descriptive name 

 seemed unsafe for a disease with such variable manifestations, and 

 the author therefore proposed that the name be changed. After con- 

 sultation with beekeepers and apiary inspectors it was decided to 

 adopt the name European foulbrood. This was first used in a cir- 

 cular ^ of the Bureau of Entomology and the name has been gener- 

 ally accepted by beekeepers throughout the country. The adjective 

 "European" was chosen because it appeared that this disease had 

 first been subjected to bacteriological investigation by European in- 

 vestigators, while the other disease, American foulbrood, had not 

 been investigated carefully until such work was undertaken in Amer- 

 ica. The names obviously are not intended to convey the idea that 

 the diseases originated one in America and the other in Europe, for 

 the honeybee is not native to America. The names were chosen 

 simply that beekeepers might have names which could be used with 

 safety, and which would not lead to confusion by being descriptive. 



SYMPTOMS. 



The beekeeper should know whether he has to deal with American 

 or European foulbrood, for they do not respond to the same treat- 

 ment. The symptoms of European foulbrood are simply the out- 

 ward manifestations of the disease, being chiefly the appearance of 

 the larvae after death. The symptoms are therefore variable. The 

 most accurate method of diagnosis is by bacteriological examination, 

 but this is, of course, not possible in apiary practice. In cases of 

 doubt samples should be sent to the Bureau of Entomology for 

 diagnosis.^ 



In regions where both diseases occur, beekeepers at times experi- 

 ence difficulty in differentiating them, due chiefly to insufficient ob- 

 servation of the symptoms. If European foulbrood appears in an 

 apiary in the spring, and if American foulbrood is then observed 

 later, the beekeeper may erroneously conclude that both types are 



1 Phillips, E. F. Tlie brood diseases of bees. tJ. S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Clrc. 79. 

 5 p. 1906. 



= If dead brooiJ is observed and the beekeeper is not able to diagnose it with accuracy, 

 samples may be sent the Bureau of Entomology for examination. A piece of comb con- 

 taining dead larvse about 4 by 5 inches should be cut out and mailed In a heavy paste- 

 board or wooden box. Tin boxes should never be used, as the brood usually molds in 

 transit, making examination impossible. The sample should not be wrapped before 

 being placed in the box. A suitable box for sending samples will be mailed on request. 



It is not possible to diagnose from empty combs, and no honey should be included in 

 the sample, as it is valueless in diagnosis and will probably spoil the sample as well as 

 other mail matter, 'xne name of the sender must always appear on the package, and 

 any available data should be sent in a. letter. Never inclose a letter In the box with 

 the sample. 



