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American Foulbrood (AFB) – Foster Method™
dnature has pioneered the Foster Method™ for American Foulbrood (AFB) testing, making it the first solution in the apiculture industry to detect clinical levels of this harmful pathogen using a swabbing method. Developed over four years of collaboration with beekeepers as well as extensive testing, the Foster Method™ simplifies AFB testing for beekeepers while maintaining high sensitivity.
This innovative method allows for the detection of AFB before visible symptoms appear, though it is not intended to replace visual inspection.
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At dnature we developed the innovative Foster Method™ for AFB testing. This method is the first of its kind in the world for detecting clinical levels of this pathogen. This method ensures that P. larvae (the bacteria that causes AFB) can be detected, even before symptoms become visual – but does not replace visual inspection.
The Foster Method™ was developed to make sampling for AFB easier for beekeepers – for more asssured peace of mind. After 6 years of working closely with beekeepers and a rigorous testing process for sensitivity, this method was launched in 2022 and in February 2024 the method was published in the Journal of Apiculture Research.
The method has now been extended to test hiveware to ensure any purchases of second-hand boxes and frames do not present a risk of introducing disease into your operation.
Read more about the Foster Method™ here as well as learning about the test with this video.
Order your free Foster Method Sampling. Please remember to include quantity and delivery details.
Bee Testing Submission Form If you have questions about testing, or anything else, call us on 0800 362 8873 (0800 DNATURE) or email us
“The AFB swabbing (Foster MethodTM) has been a large part of our protocol and it has been invaluable in eliminating AFB in our hives and honey” (apiary administrator for large Mānuka honey company)
“During 2020 and 2021 we had an AFB problem in a high percentage of sites following the purchase of infected hiveware. dnature was instrumental in developing and refining the swab sampling and composite testing for detection of AFB spores in our colonies, the Foster Method. We have always had very prompt and exact results from dnature and would not hesitate in recommending them to other beekeepers to assist in problem solving at their apiaries. The dnature team are always pleasant and easy to deal with and take much pride in their support and service to the industry”. – SB, South Otago beekeeper.
“We had a suspected case of AFB that was destroyed. Within an area that has no history of AFB it was important to us to try and understand how wide spread the problem was.
Using the Foster Method alongside small batch honey testing and regular inspections we have more confidence in how we act moving forward.
Customer service and turnaround time from DNA was fantastic”. Tim Prior, Mt White Station
“I have used the Test in my own business this season because for the first time we found AFB.
firstly I used the test to narrow down where the AFB was coming from. After visually finding it in a site I was able to rule out other sites using the test within the same isolation and area.
Then secondly after I was confident that id found all AFB visually, I used the Test when the honey was on the hives. We get 2 crops, a Manuka then clover crop. The Test made it easier to harvest between crops knowing that AFB won’t end up in the honey. It doesn’t replace visually inspection but it is definitely a good tool to use”. GB, Southern Lakes Honey.
“I first heard of the Foster Method via one of my staff who was working for the Pest Management Agency as an AP2. Dnature demonstrated the method to an AP2 training weekend.
I am happy to answer any further questions. We don’t usually get involved in endorsing products/services but I’m sure we could come up with something to help.
I would like to add that I am very pleased with the service, your turnaround and communication from Helen and your lab staff is excellent”. DJ, Hawke’s Bay honey company
