What is the appropriate response to an AFB infection in a hive?

The response to an American foulbrood (AFB) infection in a hive underscores the importance of disease management in beekeeping. The correct action involves not keeping an infected hive due to the high risk of spore spread. AFB is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, which produces spores that can survive in the environment for decades. These spores are highly contagious and can easily infect other hives and can also contaminate equipment, making the disease challenging to control.

When a hive is infected, removing the infected colony is crucial to prevent further spread of the spores to neighboring colonies. This action reduces the chances of infection to other bees and the beekeeper's apiary as a whole.

In contrast, the other choices can potentially exacerbate the situation. Continuing to monitor and treating with medication may seem prudent but is ineffective for tackling AFB, as there are no approved medications that kill the spores. Keeping infected hives for study may provide insight but poses a severe risk of spreading the infection. Starting a new colony after removing the bees also does not address the contamination risk of the existing equipment, which could retain the spores. Thus, removing the infected hive is the most effective response to manage AFB.