In a message dated 29/11/2009 18:42:58 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]  
writes:

In  talking to a few bigger beeks in the US, I
got the impression that it was  not a serious threat; that it was stress
related and that it would clear up  when the colony hit its stride.




My understanding is that the disease is more visible when the colony is  
under stress but spreads more when it is prosperous and the disease is unseen. 
 The reason for this is that when the larvae succumb they are usually 
removed  whole and so don't pass it on. When they are well enough fed, they 
survive to  adulthood, still carrying the disease and pass it on to others, and 
of course,  may drift into other colonies if hives are closely spaced.
 
Chris 

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