Dear Beekeeper

 

You may remember earlier this year an article in The Scottish Beekeeper titled "Survey of Viral Infestations in Varroa mites in Scotland".

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 England and Scotland.

 

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

82 Craigs Road,

East Craigs

Edinburgh

EH12 8NJ