Do you recognise this health picture? Explain what you see.
- Banded brood associated with wax moth.
- European foulbrood.
- Chalkbrood visible on the combs.
- Healthy colony.
- American foulbrood.
- Deformed Wing Virus: DWV.
- Nosemosis affecting adult bees.
Show answer
Correct answer: 4.
Healthy colony with regular brood.
Why?
Recognising a healthy colony is as important as recognising a diseased one. A colony in good condition generally shows coherent brood, larvae of normal appearance, active bees, and a regular arrangement of stores.
In the expected image, the aim is therefore not to look for a spectacular lesion, but to identify the absence of warning signs: no suspiciously sunken or perforated brood, no brownish or decomposed larvae, no chalkbrood mummies, no bees with deformed wings.
In case of doubt, especially when faced with patchy brood, abnormal cappings, or suspicious larvae, advice should be sought from a competent person or the apiary inspectorate before moving combs, equipment, or colonies.
What to understand
A healthy colony is not necessarily a 'perfect' colony. A few empty cells, differences in brood age, or small irregularities may be normal depending on the season, the nectar flow, colony strength, and the age of the queen.
What matters is the overall picture: a population suited to the volume of the hive, a laying queen, brood of different ages, accessible stores, and calm, organised behaviour.
For Valais, the Fédération d’Apiculture du Valais Romand provides the information on apiary inspectors on its dedicated page: Apiary inspectors. The official list is also available via the cantonal website.
Key takeaways
Good observation begins with recognising what is normal. This avoids confusing an acceptable variation in the brood with a disease.
Favourable signs are overall regular brood, white and well-fed larvae, normal bee activity, stores present, and the absence of suspicious odour or degradation.
In case of a health concern, caution takes priority: limit handling, do not exchange equipment between colonies, and seek qualified advice.
Further reading
► Practical Guide: 4.7.3 Recognising healthy colonies
► Practical Guide poster: How to recognise diseases