Abstract: A composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of bee disease is disclosed. In one embodiment, the composition comprises an inoculum and an apicultural delivery vehicle for delivering the inoculum to a hive such that a remedial and/or protective microflora is established therein. The inoculum preferably comprises one or more microorganism(s) that produce one or more antibiotic(s) active against one or more bee pathogen(s). Exemplary antibiotics include those active against Melissococcus pluton and/or Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae. Also disclosed is a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of bee disease that in one embodiment comprises inoculating a hive to establish a remedial and/or protective microflora therein.