Nosema

Nosema is a type of microsporidian fungus that infects the intestines of bees and can cause a disease called nosemosis. The fungus is transmitted from bee to bee through feces, and it can also be transmitted through contaminated pollen or nectar. Symptoms of nosemosis include diarrhea, weight loss, and reduced lifespan in infected bees. The disease can also weaken the immune system of the bees and make them more susceptible to other diseases and pests. Nosema is more common in warmer climates, and it can be a significant problem for beekeepers, as it can lead to reduced honey production and decreased colony strength. To prevent and control nosema, beekeepers can use measures such as good hive management practices, feeding the bees supplements that contain spores of a beneficial microorganism called Bacillus thuringiensis, and applying chemical treatments to the hive. In severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the infected queen with a healthy one.