An alternative method to scorching or fumigation for AFB materials that is
used in Australia is treatment with irradiation. The brood boxes, supers,
extracted honey combs, lids, bottoms, excluders, etc can all be treated
this way. There is no necessity to remove wax and propolis buildup. The
method is quick and inexpensive and 100% effective against AFB and other
disease organisms. The irradiation used is the same as that for medical and
other sterile equipment treatments. Beekeepers buying second hand gear use
this treatment before introducing it to the apiaries as a preventative
measure. It also enables those beekeepers who are affected with AFB to
clean up their apiary with minimal disruption to their business. Terramycin
treatment is currently prohibited for AFB in all mainland states although
it used via authorised prescription for EFB.
 
----------
> From: John Iannuzzi <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Scorching AFB infected equipment
> Date: Thursday, 5 February 1998 23:00
>
> When I get old equipment, I always torch.
> I've never had a case of AFB (my fingers are still crossed)
> in 38 years.
> The standard treatment for AFB in Maryland was burning the
> boxes and burning--as elsewhere--
> until the state inspector got an ETO chamber and used it
> for years, until ethyleneoxide was found 2 B carcinogenic
> and disbarred by EPA?
> I think he's in the process of getting the use of ETO reinstated for
> bee use.
>
> **John Iannuzzi, Ph.D.
> **38 years in apiculture
> **12 hives of Italian honeybees
> **At Historic Ellicott City, Maryland, 21042, U.S.A. (10 miles west of
>    Baltimore, Maryland) [9772 Old Annapolis Rd - 410 730 5279]
> **"Forsooth there is some good in things evil
>    For bees extract sweetness from the weed" -- Bard of Avon
> **Website: http://www.xmetric.com/honey
> **Email: [log in to unmask] [1jan981031est]