Investigation of clinical outbreaks of American foulbrood in honey-bee operations in Saskatchewan.

Investigation of clinical outbreaks of American foulbrood in honey-bee operations in Saskatchewan. Can Vet J. 2020 Oct;61(10):1055-1059 Authors: Zabrodski MW, Wilson G, Moshynskyy I, Wentzell A, Wood SC, Klein CD, Kozii IV, de Mattos IM, Epp T, Simko E Abstract Four outbreaks of American foulbrood were investigated in honey-bee operations in Saskatchewan during the summer of 2019. Clinical signs were confirmed by the Saskatchewan Provincial Specialist in Apiculture and the causative agent was cultured and identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Evaluation of management practices revealed off-label metaphylactic use of oxytetracycline in 3 of 4 operations and a discontinuation of antibiotic use in the fourth. Recent regulatory changes regarding access to medically important antimicrobials has provided an opportunity for veterinarians to promote evidence-based use of antimicrobials in apiculture while safe-guarding the health of commercial honeybee populations and the economic viability of their producers. PMID: 33012819 [PubMed - in process]
Source: The Canadian Veterinary Journal - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Can Vet J Source Type: research