Nosema, like other diseases, spreads among nearby hives by infected bees that occasionally enter the wrong hive. This “drifting” behavior is quite common, especially when hives are close to each other and during windy weather. Bees that rob honey from a weak, infected hive can carry spores back to their own hive. Also, Nosema spores can be transferred from hive to hive on a beekeeper’s gloves or hive tool. Equipment contaminated with Nosema spores may be a source of the disease if it is not disinfected before use in a new hive.
- Tom Webster, Kentucky State University
Bee Informed Partnership