In a recent post, Paul wrote concerning bleach "It sure will kill any spores
that are exposed though."   In checking my library and the archives I find
many opinions that bleach will or will not so act, but no references to
solid scientific evidence.   When I had AFB here, Mr David Knox of the USDA
bee laboratory in Beltsville, MD wrote the following in an email to me:

"You are correct, bleach will not kill Bacillus larvae spores, however
anything you do to physically remove spores from your gloves, bee suit,
hive tool, smoker, etc. will be of benefit.  Your protective clothes are
perfectly safe to use after washing with a good detergent."

I would not be surprised if bleach were deadly to the more vulnerable active
bacterial form of the pathogen, but does this form ever exist in the sure
absence of spores.  If Paul or anyone else has sound scientific evidence
that bleach is deadly to AFB spores, I would much appreciate further
education on this, and the knowledge itself would be delightful.  If not, is
not AFB too dangerous to become the subject of legends.

Bill Morong