Gas Sterilization of Beekeeping Equipment Contaminated by the American Foulbrood Organism, Bacillus Larvae
Abstract
Ethylene-oxide sterilizing gas mixtures were effective in killing all stages of the American foulbrood organism Bacillus larvae (White) in contaminated bee equipment when used in a metal sterilizer in which temperatures and gas concentration could be maintained at desired levels. However, regardless of the duration of exposure and gas concentration, some spores survived the treatment probably because of the natural resistance of Bacillus spores plus the added protection afforded by coatings of bees wax. Polyethylene films or bags were not satisfactory as containers because of their permeability to the gas mixtures particularly at concentrations required to assure satisfactory reduction in bacterial counts.Downloads
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