In a message dated 11/02/2007 23:47:03 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
"I have seen plenty of EF through the years mainly because I only treated
when necessary. Before Parasitic mite syndrome (PMS) E.F. was easy to see
for most beekeepers because E.F. only effects the very young larva and AFB
the late stage larva pupa.
However now PMS effects the larva so looks like E.F.. ......."
We don't have anything labelled PMS in the UK although we have had varroa
since 1992. If it is so similar to EFB could it possibly be EFB? As you know,
when infected larvae are sufficiently well fed, ie there are plenty of nurse
bees, they survive to pupate and emerge and then soon start feeding their
younger siblings, which is how they too become infected. Could it be that
severe varroa infestation reduces the quality and quantity of nurse bees thus
allowing otherwise hidden EFB to become apparent?
Chris
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