Which of the following diseases is a serious bacterial condition that affects honey bees?

American foulbrood is recognized as a serious bacterial disease that primarily affects honey bee larvae. It is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, which infects the developing bees in the broodnest. The disease can devastate bee colonies and is highly contagious among bee populations, leading to severe losses if not managed properly.

One of the key features of American foulbrood is the distinct odor it produces, along with the characteristic dark, sunken, and dried-up appearance of infected larvae. Beekeepers often need to take decisive action, such as destroying infected hives and equipment, since the spores of the bacteria can survive for many years in the environment.

While European foulbrood is also a bacterial disease, it is generally considered less severe than American foulbrood and tends to affect the bees at a later age. Chalkbrood is a fungal disease caused by the Ascosphaera apis, not a bacterial one, and pathogen exposure is a broader term that does not specify a particular disease. Therefore, the recognition of American foulbrood as a serious bacterial condition is crucial for effective beekeeping management and disease prevention strategies.