Affected hosts
- Apis cerana
- Apis mellifera
Infection by Vairimorpha ceranae
Nosemosis by Nosema ceranae
Intestinal infection of adult bees, originally described in Apis cerana and later identified in Apis mellifera. It may occur without obvious dysentery.
Agent
Vairimorpha ceranae
Legal status
No
Signs and symptoms
Adults
- Reduced longevity
- Digestive changes that are not always visible
- Lower flight capacity or performance
Colony
- Reduced development
- Lower productivity
- Nonspecific decline
Diagnosis and confirmation
Field methods
- Absence of specific signs
Laboratory methods
- Microscopy as screening
- PCR to identify the species
Control and prevention
Good practices
- Adequate nutrition
- Hygiene
- Comb renewal
- Stress reduction
Prevention
- Biosecurity
- Good nutrition
- Clean water
- Regular comb renewal
Monitoring
Indicators
- PCR
- Spore load
- Colony progression
Frequency
- In cases of poor performance or as part of health programs