Chris wrote that the group had not measured the nosema spores.

I am wondering if this might be a way forward.  N. ceranae spores are 4.7 
+/- 0.46 microns in length (Fries 1996), whereas N. apis is approx 1 micron 
longer.  Apparently there is only a slight overlap, so measuring a number 
(define?) of spores should be a reliable method of diagnosis.  A simple 
graticule in the eyepiece of a compound microscope (1000x would probably be 
better than 400x) should be all that is needed.

Comments?

Best wishes

Peter Edwards
beekeepers at stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk
www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/

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