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 can be difficult to diagnose and thus disease is 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 new environmental DNA sampling method using entrance swabs together with a dual-target qPCR for AFB. The quantification data generated can be used to detect hives with clinically relevant infections, even when no visual symptoms are apparent. Such a method will be applicable to other bee pathogens and incursion pests.