Contagious disease threatens honey bee population, Omaha beekeeper takes drastic measures.

Beekeeper Mark Welsch warns other beekeepers of the contagious disease American foulbrood that is killing bee colonies in Nebraska. The disease is caused by bacteria created through cross-contamination, usually from keeping bees in used hives or using unsanitized tools. Welsch was forced to get rid of approximately 50,000 bees and burned three of the five beehives that he bought from other beekeepers. He advises beekeepers to not buy used bee hives, but if they do, always sanitize and maintain them well.