I hesitate to step into this debate, but would like to keep it factual. >fumagillin has been implicated as contributing to the near universal replacement of N. apis by N. ceranae Pete, my reading of the data does not so much indicate "replacement," but perhaps more of an occupation of a less than fully exploited niche. The data from both the Higes and Pernal groups show that N apis has not been completely displaced. And the "implication" that fumagillin gives N ceranae a competetive advantage is highly speculative. The chart of nosema prevalence over the years from the Bee Disease Diagnostic Lab suggests that N apis was a minor parasite for many years, despite little use of fumagillin. >These are very aggressive organisms, fully capable of mutating and exchanging genetic material. Add antibiotics to the mix and you create a recipe for the generation of newer more virulent forms. I offer that the mutations and exchange are more likely to create elevated virulence. I don't follow the logic that the evolution of resistance to an antibiotic would necessarily make an organism more virulent. -- Randy Oliver Grass Valley, CA www.ScientificBeekeeping.com *********************************************** 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