Honey bees are subject to disease just like all other living organisms. Here is six of them.
American Foulbrood
Caused by a spore forming bacterium
No cure once it occurs but can be prevented by treating with antibiotics in spring and autumn.
Spores can live in equipment for 70 years.
Affects larvae and pupae
European Foulbrood
Caused by a spore forming bacterium
Not as serious as Amercian Foulbrood because the spores do not live as long. A colony can recover from this one on their own sometimes. Prevent by treating with antibiotics in spring and autumn as for American Foulbrood
Affects larvae
Nosema
A protozoan disease
This disease is sort of like dysentery in humans
Most commin in spring after the bees have been confined for the winter
Usually disappears once they are out and bringing in nectar.
Prevent by locating the hive in a dry, sunny or dappled sun location with good air flow and fresh, clean water nearby
Affects adult bees
Chalkbrood
Caused by a fungus
Most common during wet, cold springs
No treatment neccesary; the bees will recover on their own and clear the dead larvae out themselves. You can help speed the removal up by checking the frames and removing any you see for them. And by removing any mummified carcasses from the bees "front porch" and the ground near the hive.
Affects larvae
Sacbrood
Caused by a virus
This is sort of like a common cold in humans
No treatment needed but you can help your hive by removing any brood affected
Affects brood
Stonebrood
Caused by a fungus
This is a rare occurance and the hive can recover from it on their own. You can help by removing the mummified carcasses from the hive and from around the outside of the hive.
Affects larvae and pupae
There are other viruses and diseases that affect bees but these are the most serious ones.
The news is full of Colony Collapse Disorder which is where the bees suddently abandon the hive for reasons not yet understood. There is alot of research going on in various areas to determine the cause of this.
