I don't know exactly how long chalkbrood spores remain viable, but certainly
over winter.
However, I would not advise destroying beekeeping equipment for the presence of
chalkbrood. Bees are able to co exist with chalkbrood  quite well, and new
equipment may not remain chalkbrood-free for long, in an area where the disease
is present. Stronger colonies, especially if they tend to remove the larvae
before they  turn to mummies, clean up the equipment fine. Changing the bee
stock (or at least the specific queen) may be all you need to manage.
 
There was another message on chalkbrood, re an anti-fungal chemical. I was
involved in some research using a prospective drug, but it didn't work, either
as a smoke-strip application or in a syrup. I don't know of any drug treatment
recommended for chalkbrood, anywhere.
good luck
 
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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