>
> >Our observations on seasonal variation of N. ceranae infections have
> shown significantly higher levels in April-June and lower levels in the
> fall and winter.
>

Oddly, Traver's data on monthly N ceranae prevalence do not agree with a
number of other studies, including my own data from the Calif foothills
(two years, as yet unpublished).  I find that N ceranae prevalence and
spore counts peak in mid winter to very early spring, and drop markedly
during summer.

>
> >Colony mortality due to N. ceranae infections does not appear to be a
> major factor in colony losses throughout the mid-Atlantic region. We do not
> feel that N. ceranae is a major factor associated with colony decline.


My data also suggest that N ceranae is not the initial cause of the
progression of colony collapse.  However, N ceranae infection often appears
to be the ultimate cause of the final sudden depopulation.


-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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