Mason Harris wrote:
> Hello Bee Wizards all!
> I know the general consensus regarding what needs to be done to
> equipment that comes in contact with foulbrood.  I don't want to start
> that thread.  My question is, if a hive does have foulbrood and is full of bees, can the bees be saved?
 
        Although not recommended in most states, it is possible to save the
bees by shaking them onto foundation. Not so much to break the brood
cycle, that could be accomplished by removing the queen for a while, but
to prevent any contaminated honey from being used to feed the first
brood in the new hive. If there is only foundation in the new hive, any
honey carried in the bees honey stomach will be utilized in wax
production. This was a common practice years ago and is probably fairly
safe but rather time consuming. I wish I could remember where I saw a
study of this practice, if I remember AFB reoccurred at around a 2%
rate. Why isn't this practice approved by most regulatory agencies?
Having witnessed several hundred burn orders here in NY, I can tell you
that many beekeepers cannot follow instructions and it is not uncommon
to see neighborhood bees robbing at the scene. So, if you try it, be
very careful not to shake any honey on the new hive or on the ground,
make sure all the wax and honey gos into the burn hole top filled with
18" soil.