Identification and Treatment of European Foulbrood in Honey Bee Colonies

European foulbrood (Melissococcus plutonius), often referred to simply as EFB, is a bacterial disease that affects western honey bee (Apis mellifera) brood. European foulbrood is found on all continents where Apis mellifera is kept, making it a concern to beekeepers everywhere (Ellis 2008). European foulbrood can be confused with another bacterial disease, American foulbrood (Paenibacillus larvae), commonly referred to as AFB, because they have similar life cycles and colonies infected by both show comparable signs of disease. However, European foulbrood is far less serious than American foulbrood because Melissococcus plutonius does not form spores, while Paenibacillus larvae does. Consequently, European foulbrood can be treated, but American foulbrood cannot. Beekeepers must be able to identify European foulbrood and differentiate between it and American foulbrood to manage their colonies effectively and prevent the spread of both diseases.