2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this agreement are to determine the effects of pathogens and pesticides on honey bee health. We propose to conduct pathogenicity experiments with specific pathogens recently identified and linked to colony collapse disorder (CCD). Additionally, sequencing of the genomes of two microsporidain species (Nosema apis and N. ceranae) is proposed under this agreement. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Honey bees will be exposed to viruses, bacteria, fungi or pesticides and monitored for effects including longevity. Interactions between pathogens and pesticides will be explored by exposing bees to pesticides and pathogens in specific pairs. Fluvalinate and coumaphos will be tested along with newly identified bee pathogens to determine if either act alone or in combination to impact bee health. The sequencing of the Nosema genomes will be accomplished through collaboration with the 4-5-4 sequencing center. 3.Progress Report In FY09 the diversity of viral strains of Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) was investigated. In collaboration with Columbia University, three distinct lineages of IAPV were documented, two of these circulating in the U.S. and shown to have distinct geographic distribution. The association of IAPV with colony losses was explored in relevant to the presence of a specific deletion sequence seen in some of the lineages. The progress of this project was monitored with continued exchanges of e-mails and phone calls during the experiments and in assembling a publication on these findings.