Where we Are Now

From: Allen
Date: 3/13/98
Time: 6:23:13 AM
Remote Name: 198.161.229.181

Comments

Where we are now:

We are still at a pretty preliminary point in our attempts to measure nosema levels accurately enough to evaluate treatment methods meaningfully.  We haven't proven to our (my) satisfaction that we can measure the disease consistently enough to prove that we have success or failure in treatment when we treat.

Yes, I know we can get the same lab results with several slides of the *same* sample, but can we take samples from the same hives at the same time in the same way and get similar lab results?   If not, then what will it it mean if we take samples later and the levels appear to be up -- or down?  Exactly nothing. We need that in order to go the next step, and that is not proven to my satisfaction, yet.

We've had some valuable discussion here, in great part thanks to Jim, who has provided us with instructions on the lab procedures and given us some ideas where we might have gone wrong. Trevor has indicated that he has had the same experience where samples were not consistent. Others have indicated that they are interested and watching. Barrie gave us the methods and doses he has used. I see the hit counter going up, so I know that people are looking this over. And thinking...

FWIW, Anyone is welcome to join in with an experiment of her/his own if she/he is willing to. Historical information would be most helpful, too. I know there are people out there who do know and do have facts, so I hope they will share them. Feel free to post your ideas and experiences and tests here. Just understand that you will get picked over a bit, hopefully in a constructive friendly way, cause that is how science has to work. It's the facts that matter, not the personalities.

So, I hope we get plenty of participation. Anyone can join in. this project is not just for Eric and me. We're trying to start a movement. If you have bees and a microscope, or can borrow one and you are willing to plan and execute an experiment or join one in progress -- or re-do one we have done -- or critique our assumptions, procedures, or results, join us.

I don't know how quickly this project will proceed; I hope people don't get bored checking in. It's not that we won't have nosema or that we won't be doing things that will affect it. All beekeepers will every time they go to the yard -- or don't. The problem will be to design meaningful experiments and to do the operations and in particular to make observations and tabulate them and report them here. This will require conscious effort and self discipline at a time of year when suddenly other things demand attention.

We'll see how we do. Failure to do anything would prove something, I suppose. Anyhow, as I see it, I am still stuck at the first stage, but I think Eric is moving forward.

Over to you, Eric...

Allen