European foulbrood
insect disease
Quick Summary
European foulbrood is a destructive bacterial disease affecting honeybee larvae. It is caused by the bacterium Melissococcus plutonius. This disease is distinguished from American foulbrood by the lack of a ropy or gummy texture in the affected larvae. American foulbrood, in contrast, is caused by Paenibacillus larvae and is characterized by this ropy condition. Both are serious threats to honeybee populations.123
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