AFB & Diseases

⚠️ Key obligations at a glance

Report all AFB to the Management Agency within 7 days
All AFB-infected hives must be burnt within 7 days of finding AFB

Key Dates for AFB Compliance

Date	Requirement
31 March (each year)	Update colony numbers so levy invoices are correctly generated
1 April – 1 June	Complete an ADR (Annual Disease Return) for your hives
1 April – 1 June	Pay your AFB levy invoice
1 August – 31 November	Non-DECA holders must have hives inspected by a DECA holder and complete a COI (Certificate of Inspection)

American Foul Brood (AFB)

American Foulbrood is the most serious brood disease of honeybees in New Zealand, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. Its spores are extremely resistant and can remain viable in old equipment for decades.

Beekeeping in New Zealand has a long history — the first bees were landed at Hokianga in 1839, with Italian bees arriving in Auckland in 1880. AFB has been a management challenge ever since.

How to Identify AFB

Sunken, perforated or discoloured cappings on brood cells
Discoloured larvae — from white/cream through to brown or dark brown
The ropiness test: insert a twig into a suspect cell and slowly withdraw — AFB-infected larvae rope out in a thread; healthy larvae pull clean
A distinctive sour, glue-like smell

What to Do If You Find AFB

Do not move the hive or any equipment
Report to the AFB Management Agency within 7 days: 0800 AFB HELP (0800 232 4357)
Visit afb.org.nz for detailed guidance
Burn the hive and all contents within 7 days
Record the event in your hive register

Varroa Mite

Varroa destructor is an external parasitic mite that attacks honeybees. All hives in New Zealand are assumed to carry varroa — effective treatment is essential. Common treatments include oxalic acid (vaporisation or dribble), Apivar, Apistan, and Bayvarol strips. Always follow label directions and observe withholding periods.