There has been extensive discussion recently about various wavelengths of
radiation and the use of them for the sterilization of AFB.  Paenibacillus
larvae is distinctive in the spore's resistance to temperature and other
methods.

The bacteria responsible for EFB, however, mellisococcus pluton,  is not
spore forming.  Previously  (three times in fact),  I have queried this
list about sterilization / destruction of EFB contaminated equipment, and
the length of time that the bacteria remains viable.   While I have much
appreciated all the comments and advice about how the disease is dealt with
in various parts of the world,  no one ever provided a longevity reference
until a private email yesterday pointed me to an url.

In an agnote from a veterinary officer (K. de Witte) of the Northern
Territory of Australia on EFB (which does not occur there yet, apparently)
the time of three years is given for viability of the bacteria.  There is
no reference.  I wonder if this is affected by freezing (which stored
equipment in Canada undergoes).

Of special interest to me, was mention that glacial acetic acid fumigation
for nosema would also control EFB (again, no reference).  Would anyone have
more information, or first hand experience with this?   It does seem
reasonable to me that a non spore forming bacteria should be easier to
eliminate than AFB.  However, in some places EFB contaminated comb is
destroyed similarly to AFB, and some commercial beekeepers have mentioned
how quick it can spread in an operation, and I concur.

The agnote url is
:  http://www.nt.gov.au/dbird/dpif/pubcat/agnotes/animaldiseases/576.pdf

Also, I would like to know if anyone has tried a method of fumigating an
entire storage building or area with glacial acetic acid (for either EFB or
nosema)?  I have tractor trailer van bodies over 40 feet long filled with
supers, and it would seem to me that since they are fairly airtight when
the doors are sealed (and the doors could be taped) that this should be
possible.

I have an old hair dryer (the kind that used to be connected to a bag that
a person stuck on their head) that has a small fan and a heater.  Years ago
I used it connected to an empty box under a super stack to warm comb for
extracting.  I am thinking maybe it could be connected to long runs of
plastic drain pipe with small holes drilled in it  and the warm air passed
through or over a container of glacial acetic acid and then through the
pipe placed over the stacks of supers in a trailer.  However,  I know very
little about this chemical except that the fumes are heavier than air and
tend to fall,  and the fumes are quite toxic.  I do not know what
temperature would be best to do this at,  whether the air should be heated
or not, and passed over the acid or bubbled through it,  or even if it
would work.   But most of all,  I would like some confirmation of whether
this is effective against EFB as well as nosema.

Regards,
Stan