AFB disease is the most serious brood disease of bees in NSW.

It is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae.

In Australia, it has been found in all states.

It is a disease of economic importance to the individual beekeeper and to the bee industry, as infection may lead to serious economic loss through the destruction of colonies and loss of production.

Beekeepers can obtain accurate diagnoses by sending samples of suspect material to NSW DPI Regional Veterinary Laboratories.

This Primefact details the things a beekeeper should do or not do if they receive a positive laboratory report for AFB.