Has there been any recent research on Chalkbrood? When I started beekeeping it was pointed out as something I should be able to recognise so as not to confuse it with anything serious. You would find a small amount in most hives but not much in any although the spores were everywhere. Now it is running wild in many hives. The increase seems to coincide with the arrival of varroa but this may be only a coincidence. It does not seem to subside in a hive after treatment for varroa. We used to be told that damp hives were the cause, but the brood nest where it is to be found has the temperature and humidity rigidly controlled by the bees. I have read that increased CO2 levels to be found near respiring brood are a trigger, but again the bees are sensitive to CO2 and are efficient at air conditioning. Have people who have increased ventillation in their hives through open mesh floors or additional entrances found it helps reduce Chalkbrood? Chris Slade