BROOD DISEASES OF BEES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22398, 20 October 1934, Page 3

BROOD DISEASES OF BEES

A ROTHAMSTED REPORT SUCCESS OF SWISS SYSTEM Rothamsted Experimental Station has issued a booklet on the subject of Brood Diseases of Bees. Sir John Russell, in his introduction, traces the development of bee disease investigations in Great Britain, and mentions the fact that, in this country, practically no work has been done on brood diseases since 1885, the information at present available being derived chiefly from the results of investigations conducted in other countries. The fact that the investigation at present in progress at Rothamsted was made possible largely through a fund raised by beekeepers themselves is emphasised. The distribution of brood diseases in England, as ascertained by replies received in response to a questionnaire, is discussed. The information received, although undoubtedly of value, tends to indicate the necessity for an exhaustive survey of the incidence, varieties and methods of control of brood diseases, rather than to evoke a feeling that the data received was by any means complete, or that the informants were always correct in their diagnoses. However, the data obtained, with few exceptions, suggests that the diseases which have been classified as American and European foul

brood, Saebrood, and Chalk brood, may all exist in this country. The information presented in one paper suggests that brood diseases rarely occur in Scotland. In addition, an historical account of the development of investigations on foul brood diseases of bees is presented, _ae well as a survey of the present scientific knowledge of the subject. The possible benefit to be derived from the application of legislation as a means of controlling the spread of brood diseases suggests itself when one learns of the snccesc attendant upon such methods as applied in Switzerland. A description of recent work on the experimental production of American foul brood in England is also given. SWITZERLAND SYSTEM. The working of the system in Switzerland is thus described: “ Suppose a beekeeper discovers what he imagines is a case of foul brood in his apiary. If he is a member of the association, and therefore insured, he must inform his local officer at once. The latter makes an appointment to visit the apiary ryhen the owner is at home. Together they examine the suspected stock, and the local officer, in the presence of the owner, cuts out a piece of comb_ containing the suspected brood, puts it in a tin and sends it to the Bacteriological Institute at Liebefeld. Nothing can be done until the report of the Institute is received —a most valuable provision, as it protects the beekeeper from undue oi incompetent interference. If the presence of disease is confirmed the bee disease inspector is notified; he visits the apiary by appointment, so that the owner can be present, and takes with him the local officer -who called before. All three proceed to the apiary, and the inspector exaiftines all the colonies, decides which require treatment and how, and proceeds, with the assistance of the local officer, to assess the compensation due in accordance with the printed scale drawn up by the Eissociation. A report is made and sent to Dr Leuenbarger, who, when he' is satisfied that the inspector’s instructions have been carried out, pays the sum due to the beekeeper. Practical assistance would be available for novices or any beekeeper unable to carry out the work. At first the association offered compensation at half rates to uninsured non-members found to have diseased bees, on condition that they were allowed to clean up the apiary. This was discontinued in 1910, when the Government included bees in the Diseases of Animals Act, and made regulations regarding bee diseases. •' " The insured beekeeper receives payment at the full rate for the time of year ,if-a colony is destroved. If the bees are saved by the artificial swarm method for Amerciau foul brood, then he receives 50 per cent, of their value, and if they are treated for European foul brood by the dequeening method, without destroying the bees or combs, 25 per cent, of their value and six francs for every queen destroyed.” The chart showing the results achieved in Switzerland since the“insurance scheme came into effect is most encouraging.