The Foster method: rapid and non-invasive detection of clinically significant American Foulbrood disease levels using eDNA sampling and a dual-target qPCR assay, with its potential for other hive pathogens

Abstract

Clinical signs of American Foulbrood (AFB) can be difficult to diagnose and thus disease is often missed and leads to further spread. Diagnosis is centred on the beekeeper’s skill in recognising clinical symptoms – a highly subjective and time-consuming activity. Previous testing methods have relied on sampling that necessitates dismantling the hive and/or requires multiple visits to retrieve passive samples. The Foster method is a novel environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling method using colony entrance swabs together with a dual-target qPCR for Paenibacillus larvae: the causative bacteria of AFB disease. The quantification data generated can be used to detect hives with clinically significant infections, even before visual symptoms are apparent. The testing method shows promise for other bee pathogens and incursion pests.