the highest levels of N. ceranae were seen during
the spring, just before and during peak nectar flows in Virginia.

This seasonality could be problematic for beekeepers, in the United
States where fumagillin is still approved for use, since treatment
with fumagillin should not be made immediately before or during
a honey flow. 

However, we observed very little impact of Nosema
infections on either colony growth or productivity, suggesting that
even though we found higher levels of infection, treatment is not
necessary. 

The low levels of infection during the fall and winter
also indicate that the use of fall treatments is unnecessary. Current
recommendations for treatment are based on the N. apis cycle
which has higher infection levels during the winter (Bailey, 1955). 

Treating in early March may be beneficial for weak colonies
with high levels of N. ceranae, but are otherwise unnecessary.

Comparison of within hive sampling and seasonal activity of Nosema ceranae in honey bee colonies
B.E. Traver et al. / Journal of Invertebrate Pathology xxx (2011) xxx–xxx (IN PRESS)

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