The only approved control methods for American foulbrood (Paenibacillus larvae) disease (AFB) of honey bees in New South Wales are burning of all infected bees and hive materials and burying the remains; burial without burning of all infected bees and hive materials; or irradiation of all hive materials. In most circumstances, the most cost-effective measure is irradiation at a commercial irradiation facility.

The instructions in this Primefact relate to beehive materials to be irradiated under a written Direction from a Regulatory Officer, and to hive materials that beekeepers wish to have irradiated for their own management reasons.