Restricted district lifted: American lazy brood has no chance!

Restricted district lifted: American lazy brood has no chance!

In the past few months, beeholder in Saxony has thrown an attentive eye on their peoples, because the American Faulbrut (AFB) has caused unrest in the Grayppe company. On March 28, 2025, the first outbreak of this bacterial disease was determined, which led to the immediate establishment of a blocking district of one kilometer around the affected company. In the meantime, however, things have calmed down, because on June 16, 2025 this blocking district was lifted again. According to an official sampling, no pathogens of the AFB, which are caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae , have more demonstrated, which has relaxed the location for the beehowers. The state capital Dresden delivers this information in its current announcement in the Elektronische Official Journal.

The American fauline brood is a serious bacterial disease, which particularly affects the maggots in beehive. While adult bees do not fall ill, they can still be the bacterium carrier. The spores of the Paenibacillus larvae are extremely durable and can last for decades, whereby they are only contagious for the maggots. An outbreak usually occurs in a few peoples and requires a high number of spores to become hazardous to health. A sign of the disease can be praised, darkly discolored or sunken cell lid, which, according to the honeycomb professional, should normally be observed.

remain attentive

Although the blocking district is now canceled, the bee keepers are urgently asked to continue to pay attention to clinical symptoms of the foul brood. The typical signs also include thread -like masses and incomplete breeding image. Suspected cases should be reported to the veterinary and food surveillance office in Dresden immediately. The contact details can also be found in the official announcement; by phone at 0351 4887551 or by email to veterinaeramt@dresden.de.

The risk of AFB is particularly relevant because it occurs in many bee colonies in Germany, although it is estimated that around 2 % of all peoples may be affected. The transmission of the disease, which can be carried out by robbery of weakened peoples, folk association or the exchange of infected honeycombs, is particularly critical. Preventive measures are of great importance to secure the health of the peoples. This includes regular control of the breeding image and the careful management of the beehives.

The role of the Varroa mite

In addition to the American faulbrut, the Varroa mite (Varroa Destructor) is one of the greatest threats to bees in the region. This mite, which is considered the most important bee pests worldwide, develops and increases in the capped brood of the beehive. Varroa infestation is called Varroose and is subject to notification in Austria. In Germany there is no obligation to report due to the widespread ubiquity, but it is necessary to regularly monitor the peoples in order to avoid severe infestation. The veterinary authority is usually combated, the measures for containing and treatment.

The current developments related to American faulbrut and the Varroa mite clearly show how important it is to have a good knack for the management of the peoples as a beeholder. This is the only way to ensure that the precious insects remain healthy and the pollinator population is preserved. So keep your eyes open to your bees and stay informed!