We investigate the prevalence of N. ceranae in wild bumblebees in the UK and determine the
infectivity of the parasite under controlled conditions. We found N. ceranae in all seven wild
bumblebee species sampled, and at multiple sites, with many of the bees having spores from
this parasite in their guts. When we fed N. ceranae spores to bumblebees under controlled
conditions, we confirmed that the parasite can infect bumblebees. Infections spread from the
midgut to other tissues, reduced bumblebee survival by 48% and had sub-lethal effects on
behaviour. Although spore production appeared lower in bumblebees than in honeybees,
virulence was greater. The parasite N. ceranae therefore represents a real and emerging threat
to bumblebees, with the potential to have devastating consequences for their already
vulnerable populations

Graystock, P., Yates, K., Darvill, B., Goulson, D., Hughes, W.O.H., Emerging dangers: deadly effects of an emergent parasite in a new pollinator host, Journal of Invertebrate Pathology (2013)

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