David,  in the study it's mentioned that one possible transmission route of CBPV is contact either from body to body or on hive fomites.  Hive fomites are an issue we beekeepers have not given much consideration to as a significant player in viral transmission, which is curiously contrary to how we treat hive equipment infected with bacteria or fungus. And the reason, I suspect, is that we know very little about viral contamination in a hive. Have you done any research that would inform us in terms of how long Infectious virions could last in a hive environment?  I have the same question for DVW which is also an unenveloped virus particle. 

I found the research very interesting with lots of useful information about the emergence of infectious bee diseases.  I've lost colonies to CBPV and continue to see individual bees infected. Back in the day, they were labeled as "old robber bees" that became hairless from guard bees chewing off their hairs but I suspect it has always been CBPV.  



Bill Hesbach
Cheshire CT

             ***********************************************
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