2. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Beekeepers Pollinating Agricultural Crops elearning modules

3. Module 4: Best Management Practices for Disease Control/Nosema

4. Why is Nosema a problem for honey bees?

5. Scientists agree that Nosema ceranae is the most prevalent and economically damaging of all the honey bee diseases. How much damage to a colony’s overall health can be attributed to the presence of Nosema?

6. In serious cases of Nosema, the colony may eventually die if left untreated. Can anyone tell us what type of deadly disease Nosema is?

7. Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian, a small, unicellular parasite that has the capacity for long term spore formation. This once-rare microbe, that previously affected only Asian bees, has increased significantly over the past decade in Western honey bees.

8. Nosema apis is a very similar pathogen, yet apparently not as virulent. It is somewhat easier to detect visibly. N. apis causes severe dysentery not usually seen in N. ceranae. This strain of Nosema has been identified for over a century, and is believed to have originated in Europe.

9. Do your colonies have Nosema? How can you check, treat, and verify the efficacy of treatment? What do you say we look into it?

10. It is important to monitor your bees for Nosema (N. apis and N. ceranae) – early detection is the key – and treat to reduce levels, if warranted.

11. Also, Monitor Nosema levels and colony condition. How can this be accomplished?

12. Check often, ideally monthly. Randomly sample hives. Nosema Next: How to check for Nosema!

13. Collect live or fresh dead bees from the hive entrance or from top bars of the frames. Nosema Check

14. If possible, do an on-site microscopic examination of the honey bee gut to measure spore count. When levels exceed one million spores per bee, colonies can exhibit dwindling, but this will not always be the case. Nosema Check

15. Next, we will learn how to treat for Nosema

16. Chemically control with Fumagillin Nosema Treatment Practice judicious treatment. Follow proper preparation, storage and application.

17. Practice good hygiene Nosema Treatment Use clean comb. Clean or replace contaminated equipment.

18. Nutrition is essential Nosema Treatment A good “Fall Flow” of natural or wild forage provides proper nutrition, which in turn eases stress. Remember, a strong immune system = healthy bees.

19. How can we assure a good “Fall Flow”? Nosema Treatment Find a location with abundant and diverse floral resources, preferably with a diversity of natural pollen.

20. True or False: We should treat all of our colonies in order to be certain they are free of Nosema? Nosema Treatment False. Treat based on your risk assessment and previous experience.

21. Are the treatments working? How can we tell? Treatment Success Don’t assume, go back and check for efficacy.

22. 1. Watch you Nosema levels; Nosema can appear quickly. The Beekeeper’s Goal: 2.Be aware that Nosema in the presence of high mite levels can compromise colony health. 3. Constant monitoring and treatment are critical for healthy bees.

23. www.ProjectApism.org Any questions? Want more information? Email ProjectApis@gmail.comProjectApis@gmail.com Visit www.ProjectApism.orgwww.ProjectApism.org Thanks for your attention!