The Management Agency, National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan New Zealand national compliance manager Clifton King said since July, when it was discovered several hives in Southland were infected, with the easily spreadable disease causing an increase in the region, there was little change to report - ''the level of AFB has been pretty constant.''
Several AFB recognition courses were held in the region to help minimise the spread of the spore-forming bacteria that infects honey bee brood.
A meeting was also held to enable locals with an interest in the industry to learn more.
Southland-based commercial beekeeper Geoff Scott previously said ignorance was a major contributor to the spreading of it and could prove devastating - both financially and emotionally - as it could take about two and a-half years to return to profit from starting a hive from scratch because contaminated hives and equipment had to be destroyed.
Southland beekeeper Murray Christensen of the Southland Bee Society said attendance at two AFB recognition courses in August and September was high, particularly with 13 at the full course which included an exam - ''probably the best numbers I've ever had for that.''
People attending were not just industry novices, he said. Experienced beekeepers came because ''they have now decided to upskill''.
