First report of Nosema ceranae in colonies of Apis mellifera in
Austria. (I. Loncaric et al )

In past years, severe losses of bee colonies were observed during
hibernation in many bee yards in Austria. Also many colonies were very
weak in spring. Due to findings of Nosema ceranae in many European
countries in the last years, it was suspected, that probably this
microsporidian, which infects the midgut of honeybees, is already
present in Austrian honeybee colonies.

Honey bee samples from Austria were inspected microscopically for
Nosema sp. spores. Eight positive samples from different apiaries were
selected and analysed for N. apis and N. ceranae using protocols of
Higes et al. In 4 out of the 8 samples analysed up to now, the
presence of Nosema ceranae was detected. Positive samples came from 3
different apiaries in 2 provinces of Austria.


-- 
Peter L. Borst
Danby, NY  USA
42.35, -76.50

picasaweb.google.com/peterlborst

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