2.2 European foulbrood

European foulbrood is a bacterial disease. Under optimal conditions, the bacteria multiply by cell division. When conditions become unfavorable, resistant capsules are formed that can remain viable for several months. These highly infectious capsules are distributed within the colony in the brood nest through the cleaning and maintenance activities of worker bees. Infection via the capsules occurs through the food fed to young larvae. Adult bees are not infected but can act as carriers of the pathogen. Diseased larvae usually die before the cells are sealed.

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