This is the first study to examine the viability and in vivo infectivity of N. ceranae
spores maintained in honey bee-associated matrices under realistic environmental
conditions for northern temperate climates. Evaluation of N. ceranae spore survival and
infectivity under these conditions allows for the enhancement of current management
recommendations, offering beekeepers economical, chemical-free strategies to reduce N.
ceranae spore loads within their operations, improving honey bee health.

To ensure >50% mortality for N. ceranae-contaminated honeycomb, beekeepers should maintain comb at -12°C or colder for 7 days to reduce the viability of any spores present on wax. In addition comb exposed to 33°C for 50 days will reduce the viability of spores in honey to <50%. ... When spore viability is <50%, spores can be considered noninfectious (Undeen et al. 1993).

Nosema ceranae: A sweet surprise? Investigating the viability and infectivity of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) parasite N. ceranae by Courtney Ivy MacInnis. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta

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