It's Nosema according to USDA - now what?

[tjc1]

Test report today from the bee lab at Beltsville. 2 of  my 3 dead hives had Nosema - identified in the report as 'Nosema sp.' which is what (apis? ceranae? or something else?) Kind of strange that one was nosema free, as they all looked the same inside in terms of small dead clusters. Only one streak of feces in one of the hives... At the same time, there was no disease found in the samples of comb with brood that I included.

Anyway, what does this mean for comb and equipment? I've read about acetic acid fuming - is that good for comb? for capped stores? for frames/boxes? Does anyone know how to fume and for how long (I imagine sealed inside plastic bags...?). Thanks!

[sterling]

I'm not sure but I don't think equipment needs to be treated because bees had Nosema. I think nosema effects adult bees. I personally  don't like sealing frames in plastic bags because of mold problems. I just stack mine on edge loosely after it turns cold and put them back on before wax worms start in the spring.
Randy Oliver has a lot of info about nosema on his website. It has been awhile since I read it but it could explain some things if you want to know more about nosema.

[tjc1]

Thanks, Sterling - I checked Randy's site and found this: comb treatment notes are near the end:

http://scientificbeekeeping.com/the-nosema-twins-part-5-alternative-treatments/

[tjc1]

More useful links

http://www.extension.org/pages/63774/sunlight-water-and-nosema-spores#.VPJZeywauQs

www.blackburnbeekeepers.com/Acetic-Acid.pdf

http://www.beesource.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-215559.html

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CEoQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalbeeunit.com%2FdownloadDocument.cfm%3Fid%3D423&ei=YFXyVIO9N5GxsATHqoHgBA&usg=AFQjCNEezykt3EmNxObTh2ljeazR3FIeyg&sig2=Fma0f7NU0IpCHFUJoKuEFQ&bvm=bv.87269000,d.cWc&cad=rja

[Sean Kelly]

Good info!  Thanks for sharing!

Sean