Keeping records and reporting AFB hives

Notification

Under the terms of the AFB NPMS, all hives found to be infected with AFB must be notified to the Management Agency within seven days.

Apiary book

To keep track of AFB findings, the date, name of the apiary, and number of hives should be recorded in an apiary book. An apiary site book is a diary used by beekeepers to record management operations in individual apiaries. It is usually kept in the beekeeping vehicle for easy reference.

The AFB information recorded in the apiary book should be used to produce a written report that is sent to the Management Agency, either in a letter, or in a form provided by the agency for the purpose. The report must include the date the case was found, the apiary location, the number of hives infected, the Beekeeper Registration Number, and the beekeepers name, address and phone number.

Annual Disease Return (ADR) to be sent in each June

Apiary book records of AFB cases are also needed to complete the Annual Disease Return which must be done by all beekeepers on or before 1 June each year. The return must list the date and location of every AFB case found during the previous 12 months in beehives owned by the beekeeper.

The quickest way to submit your ADR is using HiveHub – you will need your beekeeper registration number to login.  Any queries relating to this should be directed to [email protected]

Benefits for beekeepers

AFB records are also an important management tool for beekeepers. The records provide information on known problem areas and apiaries. They also provide a yardstick against which to judge the success or failure of changes in management practices that have been made in an effort to reduce the incidence of AFB.

AFB Quiz
Take the AFB 5 minute quiz

How well do you know what you need to know about AFB and beekeeping? Take our short quiz and find out.

AFB Videos
Videos

Our videos cover everything from your legal obligations to how to recognise AFB, collecting cell and bee samples and more.

AFB Symptoms
Symptoms

There’s a lot of good information here, telling you everything you need to know about recognising AFB: the visual symptoms, smell of AFB and more.

AFB Inspection and Diagnosis
Inspection and Diagnosis

Successfully eliminate AFB by telling the difference between symptoms of AFB and other brood diseases in the hive. We tell you the best methods for inspecting your hives.

AFB Law
The Law

New Zealand beekeepers have a number of legal obligations that must be met regarding AFB disease. Read the shortened list in summary, here.

AFB Elimination
Elimination

Most hives become infected because bees, honey or equipment have been put into a hive from another hive that is infected with AFB. Lower your chances of an  AFB infection by reading this section.

AFB Course Info
AFB Recognition Course Info

Find out when the next AFB Recognition and Competency Courses, or Refresher Courses are available. These are held throughout the year in various New Zealand locations across the South Island and North Island.

AFB App
The AFB App

Follow the link below to open the App. Once open to save to your device you need to bookmark the URL on your phone so you can find it easily again. Please click here to open.

HiveHub