James Fisher wrote:

"This specific issue likely has no bearing on the CCD problem, but
it has been shown that empty brood combs certainly can have detectable
levels of EFB bacteria, AFB spores, and (I recall hearing) a number
of the different bee viruses."

I suggest that Chalkbrood could also be included in the diseases 
harboured by old comb.  Bailey and Ball (Honeybee Pathology, 1991) 
report that the fungal spores can remain infective in brood comb for 
"many years"

Regards


Mike Rowbottom


HARROGATE
North Yorks 
UK

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