Saturday, September 06, 2008

Propolis Used to Treat American Foulbrood

Efficacy of Natural Propolis Extract in the Control of American Foulbrood
Veterinary Microbiology, Volume 131, Issues 3-4, 15 October 2008, Pages 324-331

Abstract: Paenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American Foulbrood (AFB), a severe disease that affects larvae of the honeybees. Due to the serious effects associated with AFB and the problems related to the use of antibiotics, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies for the control of the disease. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of a propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) against P. larvae and its potential for the control of AFB...

All isolates were sensitive to PEE and the MIC median was 0.52% (range 0.32–0.64). PEE was not toxic for bees at least at 50%. Field assays showed that 21 and 42 days after the application of the treatments, the number of P. larvae spores/g of honey was significantly lower in colonies treated with PEE compared to the colonies that were not treated with PEE. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the use of propolis for the treatment of beehives affected with P. larvae spores.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

This is not the first report about the use of Propolis for the treatment of beehives affected with P. larvae spores I have heard or read about it, I first heard about it from Dee Lusby of Arizona years ago. It is about time that researchers from the scientific community realized that she was right and begin to promote this natural bee hive product for use in the control of American Foul Brood. Also it would be beneficial for breeders of honey bees to breed bees that collect and use Propolis, as it is highly beneficial for bees to use it in staying healthy.

God Bless,

Keith Malone
Chugiak, Alaska
klm@gci.net
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/akbeekeepers/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Norlandbeekeepers/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ApiarianBreedersGuild/