I agree, I've done two bee health days and they are well worth it. It was the information I picked up on those that enabled me to identify two hives with EFB recently. It allowed me to minimise the problem early.
The two on the left of your first photo look as if the heads have been chewed away by bees: a common attempt to clear larvae compromised by varroa.
I agree; second set of photos show other examples of pointy-tailed larvae forming.
No; it's a minor viral disease for which the usual solution is to re-queen, working on the basis that the genetics of some bees are more disposed to it than others. There's been a lot about since 2020.
Valid point; standard of disease awareness among UK beekeepers is very low. Some beekeepers deal with E/AFB without reporting it, and some ignore the possibility or the eventuality.
The lack of practical beekeeping offered is the main problem I believe, the BBKA policy of “ The theory of everything “ is not helpful for beekeepers maybe the inspectors need to stimulate some practical led sessions.
Nope, better to be safe than sorry. They’re a great team & an asset to be used. It’ll be a hell of a lot more intimidating if there is an issue that goes undiscovered. As previously said, just send them a few photos and let them be the judge
No reason to feel intimidated, they are friendly, helpful and not judgmental.
Brilliant result ... wonder what those molten larvae were though ? Did he give you any indication ...
Great. Fast service that
Yes my SBI spotted ONE wrong larva and tested it. He said larvae die of lots of things that aren’t important
