Apidologie (2009) 40, 63-72
Victoria Tomkies, Jonathan Flint, Gaynor Johnson, Ruth Waite, Selwyn Wilkins, Chris Danks, Max Watkins, Andrew G.S. Cuthbertson, Emanuele Carpana, Gay Marris, Giles Budge and Mike A. Brown (2009)
Development and validation of a novel field test kit for European foulbrood
Apidologie 40 (1), 63-72
Abstract: European foulbrood (EFB) is a serious and widespread disease of honey bee larvae. It is a notifiable disease in the United Kingdom under existing legislation, so colonies must be officially screened for signs of disease. The current study developed a rapid and sensitive test to diagnose EFB in the field. A monoclonal antibody, highly specific for its causative agent, Melissococcus plutonius, was produced, optimised and incorporated into a Lateral Flow Device (LFD). Laboratory trials of LFDs found them to be very effective, detecting M. plutonius in 96-100% (n = 137) of EFB-infected samples with no cross-reactivity with other bee brood pathogens. Field validation data was equally robust: correct diagnoses were obtained on 96% (n = 184) of samples subjected to LFD-testing on site; false positives were rare (~1%). EFB LFDs are now issued to all Appointed Bee Inspectors in England and Wales as the sole diagnostic tool for routine confirmation of M. plutonius infection in the field, allowing much more efficient disease detection and control.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Andrew G.S. Cuthbertson
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution
Pest and/or beneficial records:
Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Melissococcus plutonius | United Kingdom |