What is the recovery status for honey bee larvae infected with AFB when not stressed?

Honey bee larvae infected with American Foulbrood (AFB) cannot recover, regardless of stress levels. AFB is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae, which leads to the death of the larvae once they become infected. The disease progresses quickly, and the infected larvae typically die before they reach the pupae stage. The pathogen affects the digestive tract of the larvae and ultimately leads to their demise, making recovery impossible once they are infected.

In contrast, while other options suggest varying levels of recovery, they do not accurately reflect the nature of AFB. It is critical for beekeepers to recognize the severe implications of AFB infections, as the disease can spread rapidly within a colony and requires stringent management practices, including the potential destruction of affected colonies to prevent further outbreaks. Early detection and management are key to preventing AFB from causing widespread damage within bee populations.