DETECTION OF AMERICAN FOUL BROOD DISEASE (AFB) IN APIS-MELLIFERA COLONIES USING ROPINESS TEST IN DIVISION KOHAT

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17626690

Abstract

American foulbrood (AFB) is a highly contagious disease affecting European honey bees (Apis mellifera), caused by the spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. This pathogen primarily targets the larval stage, with infection possible from as little as one spore in 24-hour-old larvae, leading to high mortality and colony collapse. P. larvae thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and relies on host-derived nutrients. Due to its resilient spores, AFB contaminates hive products like honey, propolis, wax, and pollen. The disease severely impacts colony strength, as lost offspring cannot be replenished quickly enough by the queen, ultimately threatening apiculture worldwide. The study was conducted in Kohat Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, covering five districts with favourable conditions for apiculture. A total of 300 Apis mellifera colonies from various apiaries were selected based on accessibility and beekeeper consent. Colonies were inspected for clinical signs of American Foulbrood (AFB), and 10–15 larvae per colony were sampled using sterile tools. Larvae were taken from different frames to ensure representative sampling. The ropiness test was conducted to identify AFB-positive cases, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse disease prevalence. A total of 650 samples were collected from three districts: Hangu, Kohat, and Karak, representing 12 aperies and 833 colonies. Out of these, 253 samples (38.92%) tested positive, while 397 samples (61.08%) were negative. Hangu contributed the highest number of samples (262), colonies (435), and positive cases (117; 44.27%). Kohat and Karak followed with moderate levels of both positive and negative samples. No samples were obtained from Kurram and Orakzai agencies due to unfavourable security condition in those regions.