What symptom is commonly associated with European Foulbrood?

What symptom is commonly associated with European Foulbrood?

• A. Sunken cappings
• B. Cells that remain open with dead or dying larvae
• C. Gooey brood patterns
• D. Irregular brood patterns

Answer: (B)

European Foulbrood is primarily characterized by the presence of cells that remain open, with dead or dying larvae. This condition arises due to the infection by the bacteria Melissococcus plutonius, which affects the larvae and leads to their premature death. The larvae typically die before they’re capped, resulting in a distinct appearance of the brood frame, where you can see open cells that may contain decaying larvae. This symptom is crucial for beekeepers to recognize as it indicates the potential spread of the disease within a hive. Identifying open cells with dead or dying larvae allows beekeepers to take timely action to manage the health of the colony and prevent further deterioration. Other symptoms associated with different brood diseases do not present with this specific pattern of open cells, making this option the correct answer.

European Foulbrood is primarily characterized by the presence of cells that remain open, with dead or dying larvae. This condition arises due to the infection by the bacteria Melissococcus plutonius, which affects the larvae and leads to their premature death. The larvae typically die before they’re capped, resulting in a distinct appearance of the brood frame, where you can see open cells that may contain decaying larvae.

This symptom is crucial for beekeepers to recognize as it indicates the potential spread of the disease within a hive. Identifying open cells with dead or dying larvae allows beekeepers to take timely action to manage the health of the colony and prevent further deterioration. Other symptoms associated with different brood diseases do not present with this specific pattern of open cells, making this option the correct answer.