For the first time, scientists have isolated the parasite Nosema
ceranae (Microsporidia) from professional apiaries suffering
from honey bee colony depopulation syndrome. They then went on
to treat the infection with complete success. In a study
published in the new journal from the Society for Applied
Microbiology: Environmental Microbiology Reports, scientists
from Spain analysed two apiaries and found evidence of honey bee
colony depopulation syndrome (also known as colony collapse
disorder in the USA). They found no evidence of any other cause
of the disease (such as the Varroa destructor, IAPV or
pesticides), other than infection with Nosema ceranae. The
researchers then treated the infected surviving under-populated
colonies with the antibiotic drug, flumagillin and demonstrated
complete recovery of all infected colonies.