Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
by the day, and what were once exotic diseases are spreading very rapidly to western
honey-bees.
Treating Nosema apis
Good colony management, as well as chemicals, can keep nosema at bay:
Make sure the colony goes into the winter with a young and prolific queen and
with many young bees (another reason for autumn re-queening).
Ensure that the colony going into winter has adequate stores of honey and pollen
(see Chapter 9).
Feed fumagillin as sold under the tradename Fumadil B. If fed in sugar syrup to
overwintering colonies, this can markedly reduce the incidence of nosema the
following spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully because under
or overuse can negate the effects. If feeding this medicated syrup, do not then feed
your bees with non-medicated syrup because this will dilute the beneficial effects
of the chemical.
Nosema is very widespread, so don't underestimate its effects on your colonies. It is
thought to be the cause of early queen supersedure and, as there are so few visible
indications of the disease, it is regarded by many as a sort of silent killer.
Dysentery
Dysentery is not a disease but a symptom of something being wrong. It is caused by
excess water accumulation in the rectum and it can spread nosema (but remember, it
isn't a sign of nosema). It can be recognized easily: there will be greatly increased faecal
spotting on and around the hive's entrance. A bad case of dysentery can cover the entire
front of the hive.
Treating dysentery
As dysentery is not a disease, look for the problem. This could be contamination of the
food supply or unsuitable winter stores. Ensure that any food given before and during
the winter is not contaminated.
