In a message dated 30/07/2009 01:11:43 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<While the science isn’t completely settled, it’s  increasingly pointing 
to a
single-celled parasite, Nosema ceranae, as the  prime cause, Pitcher
explained. “What it basically does is it causes bees  to get
immune-deficiency disorder. So it’s actually causing the bees to  almost get
a version of HIV.”>>


    Only thing is, we've got N Ceranae in Europe as  well, and aren't 
seeing the same pattern of colony collapse. It may well be part  of the picture, 
but surely there's more to it.  

Regards,

Robert Brenchley
Birmingham  UK


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