10 



being rendered. This is very dangerous as there is always a grave danger 

 of infection by bees robbing stored combs. The treating plan proved to 

 be false economy. It is cheaper to kill diseased bees and make increase 

 from healthy colonies. 



Burning diseased colonies. The only known method at present by 

 which American Foulbrood may be completely stamped out is by burning 

 the bees and combs and sterilizing other parts of the hive by fire. Disease 

 has been entirely cleaned up in restricted areas by this plan and there is 

 every reason to believe it could be completely eradicated from the 

 Province. Immediately the disease is found it should be destroyed. Delay 

 is generally costly. 



Considerable work has been done in an effort to find some drug or 

 chemical that would effectively cure a colony of American Foulbrood. So 

 far there has been no success along this line. 



Steps in Eradicating American Foulbrood 



1. Inspect the colonies giving each frame a thorough examination. 

 If disease is found, mark the colonies carefully so there will be no possible 

 danger of overlooking them later. 



2. Dig a hole in the ground large enough to accommodate all the 

 combs. Unless the hole is large diseased honey will be spilled around the 

 surface of the soil and spread disease. Do not dig the hole too near a 

 tree or the fire will wilt the leaves and injure the tree. Allow for the 

 wind and be sure the fire is situated where there is no danger of spreading. 

 Place some rough chunks of wood in the hole to ensure a good draft and 

 sufficient fuel to thoroughly consume all diseased material. 



3. Kill the bees. In the past gasoline was used for this purpose but 

 it is not at satisfactory as cyanogas, which is a commercial preparation of 

 cyanide in powder form. When gasoline is used the bees fly from the hive 

 unless the entrance is closed. Cyanogas kills the bees without their 

 realizing any danger. Field bees will also fly into the hive. When using 

 cyanogas sprinkle a dessert-spoonful on top of the frames and a little In 

 the entrance to catch the incoming bees. Five minutes is long enough to 

 leave the colony after adding the cyanogas, otherwise many of the bees 

 recover as the powder becomes spent and the gas drifts from the hive. 

 Great care should be taken when using this poison as a few good breath.s 

 might easily prove fatal. There is no necessity to wait until evening to 

 kill the colonies. 



4. Light the fire. It is advisable to use coal oil and get a good 

 strong fiame so the diseased material may be disposed of as quickly as 

 possible. 



5. Carry the hives complete to the fire and throw on the combs. Be 

 sure no dead bees drop from the entrance as most of them exude a drop of 

 honey which sticks to their tongues and may be diseased. If the combs 

 are heavy with honey keep the fire well bolstered up with chunks of wood. 



6. Scrape thoroughly and disinfect by scorching all boxes, bottom 

 boards and covers. Covers and bottom boards may be sterilized by 



