In this discussion, the broad statement being questioned is that N.ceranae 
infection alone is not responsible for colony losses. Jerry has raised the 
spectre that N.ceranae plus virus(es) is a high risk for a loss scenario and 
to elect no treatment for Nosema is a gamble. The cost, effectiveness and 
danger involved in using fumagillin to treat Nosema has been raised and are 
presumably the reasons why a decision not to treat for Nosema control would 
be made. Bob and Jerry  have echoed the thoughts of many beekeepers that an 
alternative to fumagillin for Nosema treatment is desparately needed.

In the parallel discussion on dropping varroa with oxalic acid vapour, Randy 
has pointed out that the response of bees to toxins such as this acid, is 
apoptosis and rapid replacement of the intestinal epithelial cells.Surely 
this drastic scenario would also impact on any Nosema presence and mitigate 
its effects in colonies strong enough to overcome this transient shock?

A link missing in this discussion has been the impact of agrichemicals, 
which as I understand it, even when present in minute quantities are also 
implicated in this complex causality of colony demise, particularly when 
associated with Nosema infection. Research conclusions in this area are 
still in their infancy, but what I have seen so far is quite convincing.

I guess that what is undisputed so far, is that most of todays beekeepers 
will be faced with a scenario of "Failure to Thrive" syndrome which can 
ultimately result in colony demise unless management to prevent this is 
adopted. That means controlling both varroa AND Nosema populations, AND 
ensuring adequate nutrition. Failure to address any one of these problems 
can tip the balance into freefall, since all 3 are interrelated. Also 
minimise exposure to agrichems wherever possible. Basic husbandry for any 
beekeeper, although Randy has recently written of these as the 4 basic rules 
for successful beekeeping, directed at 'newbees', ( 
http://scientificbeekeeping.com/the-rules-for-successful-beekeeping/ ).

PeterD
in Western Australia, where an extended cool damp spring seems at last to be 
coming to an end. 

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