Dear Beekeeper
You may
remember earlier this year an article in The Scottish Beekeeper titled
"Survey of Viral Infestations in Varroa mites in
It was an
appeal from ourselves at SASA to beekeepers for
samples of Varroa mites to be used as part of a survey by Brenda Ball
at Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire. The aim
of the project is to determine the level of virus carried and possible
spread by
Varroa mites in
I am
writing to ask you to re-appeal on our behalf for mites to be listed [not sure
if this is a mistype] as part of this survey.
If
beekeepers could please send 20-30 mites, or debris containing this level or
more from their floorboards or inserts from
each colony to myself
at the address below. Mites should be placed in a secure envelope and sealed.
This envelope
should then be placed
into another envelope with the name and address of the beekeeper, location of
the apiary,
number of colonies
within the apiary and date when the sample was taken.
All samples
received will be much appreciated and will greatly help in increasing our
knowledge in bee viruses and their spread.
Thank you
for your help.
Yours
sincerely
Susan
Irvine
SASA
East Craigs
EH12 8NJ