What distinct odor is associated with AFB?

The distinct odor associated with American Foulbrood (AFB) is indeed characterized as pungent, which is typically a strong and unpleasant smell that can be likened to rotting or decaying material. This odor emanates from the contaminated brood and can be attributed to the bacterial infection caused by Paenibacillus larvae, which is the causative agent of AFB. When honey bee larvae become infected, they die and decompose, resulting in the release of this foul odor that can be detected even from a distance. This sharp and acrid smell serves as an important indicator for beekeepers to recognize the presence of AFB in their hives, prompting prompt action to manage the disease and protect the overall health of the bee colony.

The other options suggest different kinds of odors that are not typically associated with AFB, such as floral or fruity, which are more pleasant and might be encountered in healthy bee colonies or blooming flowers rather than in diseased conditions. The sulfurous smell, while distinctive in other contexts, does not directly correlate with the symptoms or characteristics of AFB.