Virus Screening

[Jerry Bromenshenk]

The US military has invented a [B]unique instrument for rapid screening for viruses[/B] in almost any animal. One of those instruments is in Montana, and it has been used extensively for screening of honey bee samples. The method provides an index of virus diversity and the relative amount of each type of virus in each sample. The service is offered by a private company (BVS, Inc) either as a subscription service or per sample. Compared to other virus detection approaches, this one is relatively inexpensive and quick. In addition, BVS is conducting regional Honey Bee Virus and Nosema mapping projects. Dave Wick, the owner of BVS, Inc. is offering incentives to local beekeepers and beekeeping associations who wish to join in what is hoped to become a national honeybee virus/nosema mapping and monitoring program.

[Dave Wick]

[ATTACH]n117[/ATTACH]

I have attached a sample report that can be looked at.

Will post more
Dave

[Dave Wick]

[Jerry Bromenshenk]

This is a test reply.

[Jerry Bromenshenk]

Second test reply.

[Malcolm Sanford]

A short history of viruses and their possible effects can be found at the Apis Information Resource Center [URL]http://beekeep.info[/URL]

[Natalee]

Hi Dave.

What is the cost to the beekeeper / Association for this service? Is is best to collect and bundle the samples? What is the collection protocol?

I participated in the APHIS survey last year, but you must have 10 hives in one apiary to participate. I know a few beekeepers that would like access to this kind of service, on a smaller scale.

[Dave Wick]

Hi Natalee,

If you are a part of a beekeeper association I will not charge for my services. If your group wants to do a project let me know and I can work with you on it. I will limit the number of samples processed for your group, it depends on the project and my available time. I have attached a collection procedure sheet it should have all the information, if it does not answer a question let me know. You can send in the samples one at a time and send them to me. I will need a project coordinator from your group.

Best,
Dave

[Tanya Phillips UM]

Hi Dave,
I would love to volunteer as the project coordinator for our bee club in Austin TX to participate in the nosema and virus sampling program, if you don't have a Texas participant yet. I am a board member for the Texas Beekeepers Association and a member of 5-6 of the county beekeeping groups. How large of a population pool would you like from Texas? I have my bees in 2 counties Travis and Hays, but I have members all over the state that I could get to participate, depending on what you are looking for?

I read the procedures in the previous email, but if I understood correctly, you are willing to have some group participation in the sampling at no cost? (I saw the fees are typically $100 per sample or 10 for $500 or 20 for $1000)
If you let me know the geographical regions (in TEXAS) that you are interested in or needing, I will contact beekeepers in that zone and have them send in a sample or multiple samples whatever you need.
We could get Texas all mapped out. :)

Also, I am checking on instructions from the link you posted, so are the bees supposed to be alive or dead when we put them into the baggie to mail? (it's hot here, so we will need to include ice blocks)
Also are you wanting bees from colonies that we suspect are having issues, or bees from colonies that "appear" healthy?
Thanks,

Tanya Phillips
[email][email protected][/email]
512-560-3732

[Edward]

Recognition of different infections from ruler faeces.RT-PCR was performed to screen for the nearness of honey bee infections from tests of ruler defecation. Of six infections screened, BQCV and DWV were distinguished in the examples of ruler defecation.