> I occasionally saw pupae with the characteristic tongue protruding, > these were usually at the caramel color stage That is what I wonder about. I occasionally see fully developed pupae/adults dead in the capped or partially uncapped cell with the tongue out. Is that AFB? I half-assumed it was starvation, possibly due to some parasite or virus affecting the ability to absorb food or preying on the pupae. The ones I wonder about are not at that stage, but still tan and are dead. They are intact and there is no ropiness. That, I assume comes later if it is indeed AFB. As for lab tests, I often wondered how well they are done and how many spores it takes to get a positive. NYS notwithstanding, AFB is not a black and white question, but usually one of degree, with the breakdown being an overt stage. There are strains of bees I have been assured that can occupy a hive with scaly comb and clean it all up without assistance from antibiotics. Are such hives infected with AFB? And when would one declare them not? I assume that researchers who intentionally infect larvae and watch the disease progress should have a clearer understanding than us lowly inspectors. My experience is similar to yours. *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html