At 01:49 AM 6/21/2003 +0100, Peter Dillon wrote:
>If a way was found to ease its removal without comb destruction, would not
>some of the techniques
>used in controlling AFB have greater effectiveness?

Removal of the scale won't cure AFB as the spores are found everywhere.  I
would reduce the total amount in the hive, but once a hive is heavily
infected I doubt removal of the scales with have much effect.  It's more a
positive sign of AFB than the only source of AFB.

It is possible to kill the spores without destroying the comb using
irradiation.  I know it's used in some countries cost effectively.  The
scale does remain in the comb, but since the spores are dead it poses no
threat.

-Tim

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