Fylaktou A, Liakos B.

An experimental infection with American foulbrood was induced in Apis mellifera cypria bee colonies, for the purpose of evaluating in the disease process from the establishment of infection through its course to its final outcome. It was concluded that the introduction of a piece of honey comb containing an average of 25 foulbrood scales were sufficient for the induction of the disease. The incubation period prior to the appearance of signs in infected larvae was 6-10 days. The first indications of clinical symptoms on brood was observed 15 days, after the introduction of the infected comb. A typical presentation of the disease was evident after 30 days. The evolution of the disease vary among colonies, but the final outcome is death.

Key words: American foulbrood, experimental infection, disease evolution