> > I know that in New Zealand the beekeepers use paraffin wax to sterilize > > hive parts from colonies infected with AFB. As far as I know, being treated with melted wax - whether paraffin as discussed or in melting beeswax for foundation manufacture -- seems to lower the viability of AFB spores tot he extent - depending on temperatures involved - that although they may in some cases still able to be cultured, they are not any threat in the hive. I personally like to imagine that their little holes that allow air and water to penetrate get plugged with wax, effectively weakening their ability to germinate. Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] Futures, Art & Honey:http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka