First detection of Nosema ceranae in New Zealand honey bees

Abstract

Nosema is a genus of 81 microsporidian parasites, two of which affect honey bees. The advent of molecular methods has facilitated the differentiation between Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. N. ceranae infection was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in an apiary on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand during investigation into unusual colony losses in early spring 2010, and was subsequently found in other areas of the country. While no association could be confirmed between apiary health status and presence of N. ceranae, a significantly higher proportion of positive apiaries were detected in spring compared with autumn. PCR for N. ceranae conducted in three different laboratories showed fair agreement. Minor assay differences and sample level variation in Nosema are the most likely explanation for differences in results.

Keywords

Nosema ceranae; epidemiology; seasonality; New Zealand; colony losses; PCR

Published in

Journal of Apicultural Research
2015, volume: 54, number: 4, pages: 358-365
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

SLU Authors

• Forsgren, Eva

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Animal health (until May 2010)

UKÄ Subject classification

Other Veterinary Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2016.1161962

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/78359