>
> >Has anyone ever monitored Nosema levels before and a few days following
> long hauls - does it change?


Several things happen in a colony when confined on a truck for several days.
If they have brood, they can quickly run short on protein stores, and the
immune system is suppressed.

The jostling can break off hairs (setae), temporarily exposing the hemolymph
to transmission of viruses.

Defecation within the hives, plus chilling can cause nosema to explode, and
thus further propogate viral transmission.

All these things may go unnoticed if bees start with high protein titers,
and don't have substantial  nosema or virus levels to begin with.

However, if colonies start out on the edge, the above factors may be enough
to kick them over.  Diesel fumes, etc may well add to the stressors.

Randy Oliver

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