Bee disease test list

Larval smear(s)

• Prepare smears from larvae showing signs of disease (up to 4 larvae per smear)
• Air dried smears should be individually wrapped in paper and sent between two hard cardboard sheets held together with tape or an elastic band
• Do NOT send two smears in contact with each other.

Section of brood comb containing diseased larvae

• Submit an approx. 5 x 10 cm piece of brood comb containing diseased larvae/pupae wrapped in paper towel and packaged in a strong cardboard box.
• The comb must not contain honey and crushed combs may not be suitable for diagnostic analysis
• If unable to send the comb on the day of collection, the comb should be refrigerated until being sent
• Thoroughly clean any tools used to remove the piece of brood comb to avoid spreading disease to other hives

1-2D

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

Find details on how to collect/prepare samples (PDF, 318.08 KB).

For further information on managing established bee pests and diseases please see the DPIRD Honey bees web page.

HONEY SAMPLES

• Minimum 100 ml (145g) honey
• Honey samples should only be submitted to trace AFB infections. Submit a minimum of 100 ml of bulk honey, preferably from an extraction of multiple hives.
• Do NOT scrape honey from individual frames or send honey contaminated with debris.
• If you own a small number of hives, it is best to examine the hives for disease signs rather than submit honey samples.

7D

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

For further information on managing established bee pests and diseases please see the DPIRD Honey bees web page.

HONEY SAMPLES

• Minimum 100 ml (145g) honey
• Honey samples should only be submitted to trace AFB infections. Submit a minimum of 100 ml of bulk honey, preferably from an extraction of multiple hives.
• Do NOT scrape honey from individual frames or send honey contaminated with debris.
• If you own a small number of hives, it is best to examine the hives for disease signs rather than submit honey samples.

7D

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

For further information on managing established bee pests and diseases please see the DPIRD Honey bees web page.

Diseased brood (mummies)

• Submit an approx. 5 x 10 cm piece of brood comb containing diseased larvae/pupae wrapped in paper towel and packaged in a strong cardboard box.
• The comb must not contain honey, and crushed combs may not be suitable for diagnostic analysis
• If unable to send the comb on the day of collection, the comb should be refrigerated until being sent
• Thoroughly clean any tools used to remove the piece of brood comb to avoid spreading disease to other hives

Find details on how to collect/prepare samples (PDF, 318.08 KB).

For further information on managing established bee pests and diseases please see the DPIRD Honey bees web page.

1-2D

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

Monday - Friday

25 adult bees

• Samples for diagnosis should be collected by gathering 25 adult bees from the hive entrance or from the top bars of the frames.
• Young nurse bees on brood combs are unsuitable for examination.
• Place bees in alcohol in a leak proof plastic container and forward to the laboratory by the fastest available means.

1-2D

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

• Nosema disease primefact

For further information on managing established bee pests and diseases please see the DPIRD Honey bees web page.

Monday - Friday

Mite

5D

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation.