Last reviewed May 2005

Australian situation

European foulbrood of honey bees is present in Australia, except Western Australia.

For general information on managing animal health in Australia, please consult the latest edition of 'Animal Health in Australia'.

Disease summary

European foulbrood is a disease of bee larvae caused by the bacterium Melissococcus (formerly Streptococcus) pluton. The disease usually only occurs in larvae less than 48 hours old and they usually die when they are 4-5 days old, particularly in early spring when the colonies are growing rapidly. Signs that a colony is infected with European foulbrood include a characteristic odour and infected larvae die and turn brown during the coiled stage, which gives a peppered appearance to the brood. Affected larvae are usually unsealed. The disease causes high brood mortality and a reduction in the longevity of queens.

World distribution

European foul brood occurs in many areas around the world and has long been recognised in Europe and North America. It was reported for the first time in Australia in 1977 and is now found in all the mainland eastern States and Tasmania. Western Australia is still free from the disease and maintains control measures to ensure that it does not establish. More information on this OIE-listed disease, including worldwide disease status and distribution, is available on the OIE Website.

Further information

Further information, including publicly available Australian historical data can be obtained by contacting:

Project Manager
Animal Health Australia
Phone: (02) 6203 3912
Fax: (02) 6232 5511
Email: aha@animalhealthaustralia.com.au