The Devon Apicultural Research Group (DARG) is conducting research into queen failure and some members are conducting 'double blind' examination of slides of the spermathecae of healthy (until killed!) and failing queens. The head and thorax of each queen (bearing the same numbers as the slides) are being analysed for DWV.


 The results aren't finalised yet but the study was prompted by the disrupted appearance of cells in the spermathacae of some failing queens that were confirmed by analysis by Declan Schroeder of Plymouth Uni using a TLA device to be carrying DWV.


Whether this is cause and effect rather than coincidence is as yet uncertain.


There are pictures of the slides and more detailed information on the DARG website: www.dargbees.org.uk/


Chris


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