Adult Bee Diseases practical course, January 2012, Cheshire

[DanBee]

14th & 15th January 2012, near Macclesfield.

This is a two-day weekend course examining the adult bee diseases Acarine, Amoeba, and Nosema in detail. Mostly practical in nature, it will show you how to test your own bees for these diseases, and what action to take should a diagnosis be made.

Microscopes and associated tools and consumables will be provided for students to use, however if you have your own stereo or compound microscopes it is worthwhile bringing them so that you can work with familiar equipment. It will also allow you to see your own microscope correctly set-up for use by an expert. Students do not need to be proficient microscope users, although some prior practice with microscopes would be an advantage.

Exercises covered include:

• set-up and adjustment of compound and stereo (dissecting) microscopes
• mounting and dissection of the honeybee
• exploration of honeybee anatomy under the microscope
• preparing samples and microscope slides
• laboratory diagnosis of Acarine, Amoeba, and Nosema

If you wish to use samples of your own bees for the disease diagnosis, please bring at least 30 bees, ideally alive or otherwise as fresh as possible.

Tea/coffee and light lunches are included on both days.

Tuition and practical assistance by Dan Basterfield and Graham Royle. Both tutors hold the Master Beekeeper and National Diploma in Beekeeping (NDB) qualifications. This course is run as part of the National Diploma in Beekeeping 'short courses' programme. More information about this programme and the individual courses is available on the National Diploma Website.

Cost is £140 per student.

Please contact Graham to book a place, on 07715 564841