Nosema disease in bees is most often transmitted by a contaminated
     water supply. To cure the infestation I strongly recommend you treat
     all four of the colonies with fumagillin (Fumadil-B or Nosemex) or
     another brand. This is a chronic problem. It would be in the best
     interest of your bees to feed them at leat one quart of sugar water
     each spring that contains fumagillin. This will cure the disease. The
     antibiotic should be administered 30 days prior to your honey flow.
     The Nosema apis organism is found in humid, wetlands all over the
     Northern hemisphere. If not controlled, it will spread to the hives of
     other beekeepers in your area. The disease is not common in dry areas.
     You will find that apiculture experts in dry areas do not recommend
     treatment. In wet areas with ample rainfall the treatment is likely to
     be needed every year.
 
 
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: nosema
Author:  Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]> at internet-ext
Date:    5/13/96 2:17 PM
 
 
two of my four hives are suffering from nosema infestation.
  Full of brood three weeks ago, they're still full of brood but there are today
much less bees
 than three weeks ago.  I noticed yesterday a  wax moth trail inside one hive.
 
I had some bodies analysed and the results were very positive for
nosema.
 
Yesterday i united both hives and fed them.
 
Question:  What should i do now?  Just let nature decide or should i give them
antibiotics?  Or is there any other solution?
 
Thanks for your suggestions
 
david broman
luxembourg.