Hi Bob and Randy:

The kill was in spring Not late summer. Bee samples taken from these hives 
showed that KBV was at very high levels in comparison to healthy colonies. 
PCR was used for identification. The testing was done in an accredited lab 
that is now preforming IAPV, too. The bees was simply lethargic and 
cluster getting smaller, bees were never building up their population. Yes 
it was associated with Varroa mites. This case also is reported in ABC XYZ 
p 211. At this time Apistan lost efficacy and Checkmite was approved. 
However, it takes a year or two till beekeepers find out that one 
pesticide is not effective. Monitoring Varroa is taught in the classrooms 
but it was not applied in the field. 

In old literature KBV did not kill bees. However Varroa can move the virus 
to the bee cavity that caused bee kill.  This was a clear case that it was 
not a pesticide kill as has been described in the literature. It was also 
early in the season when there was no reason to spray pesticides in the 
field.

Have you ever seen a similar problem which you felt was caused by KBV?

In old literature KBV did not kill bees. However Varroa can move the virus 
to the bee cavity that caused bee kill.
Some of this KBV kill was reported in other places. Therefore, we learn 
about it from the literature. However, it did not get much attention. 
 
Research at that time was a response to understand what was going on and 
find clear causes. Beekeepers responded with what they had at that time to 
help the bees. Of course many colonies were killed and others survived and 
made it through. 7-10 years ago, It was different from CCD era "Science in 
Action". Now we can slice it to toooo many factors. Approved registered 
miticides were working on Varroa and everyone was so spoiled. Stick strips 
in hives, and they will take care of the problem. By the way history 
repeats its self.

It is challenging times.

medhat

Medhat Nasr, Ph. D.
Provincial Apiculturist
Crop Diversification Centre North

17507 Fort Road
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5Y 6H3
Tel: (780) 415-2314    Fax: (780) 422-6096
Mailto:[log in to unmask]

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Access BEE-L directly at:
http://community.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-LSOFTDONATIONS.exe?A0=BEE-L