Basically as Denis Anderson tells us there was one VJ mite that now has 
started reproducing on mellifera in Papua New Guinea.  It has caused big 
problems for the beekeepers in PNG.  Basically the VJ is able to switch on 
reproduction in response to a signal from mellifera.  Before it did not 
recognise any signals from mellifera. The question now is whether the VJ 
that is reproducing on mellifera will reproduce on cerana.  Maybe by now 
recognising the signal from mellifera it has lost the ability to recognise 
the signal from cerana.

Anyway, it is one more thing we now have to contend with and hope that it 
stays in PNG.

Trevor Weatherhead 

             ***********************************************
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