Louis Pasteur discovered that silkworms were affected by two diseases - silkworm nosema disease and flacherie.

Louis Pasteur discovered that silkworms were affected by two diseases - silkworm nosema disease and flacherie.

In 1865, a disease devastates the silkworm industry, not only in France but also in Italy, Austria and Asia Minor: the silkworm nosema disease.

In 1865, a disease devastates the silkworm industry, not only in France but also in Italy, Austria and Asia Minor: the silkworm nosema disease.

Pebrine attacks the worms at the start from the outside and the germ of the parasite comes from the air.

Pebrine attacks the worms at the start from the outside and the germ of the parasite comes from the air.

In June 1865, Pasteur was nominated by the government to study silkworm diseases, whereas Béchamp had already determined and published on the parasitic origin of pébrine (silkworm disease).

In June 1865, Pasteur was nominated by the government to study silkworm diseases, whereas Béchamp had already determined and published on the parasitic origin of pébrine (silkworm disease).

Between 1865 and 1869, he studied silkworm diseases and managed to eliminate pebrine which prevents larvae from rolling their silk fibres to make cocoons.