1. Lessons from the first international proficiency test for the detection of spores from the honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae.
- Author
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Dirk de Graaf, Wolfgang Ritter, Frans Jacobs, Marleen Brunain, Hein Imberechts, Koen Mintiens, Yves Van der Stede, Bart Verheyden, Aud Fauske, Patrick Boujon, Gabriela Chioveanu, Daniel Dezmirean, Giovanni Formato, Franco Mutinelli, Hendrik-Jan Roest, Dalibor Titĕra, Stephen Pernal, and Katia Knapen
- Abstract
Abstract We report on the first proficiency test in the context of honey bee disease testing on a broad international scale. Honey samples were distributed to 12 participating laboratories for isolation and identification of spores of the etiological agent of American foulbrood, Paenibacillus larvae. Of the 11 laboratories responding to this proficiency testing event, only 6 (54%) provided data that were in full agreement with the previously determined status of the honey samples; eight (72%) laboratories fell within the threshold for qualification as defined a priori in this proficiency test (=level of agreement of at least 90%). Some lessons can now be drawn from the organizational point of view and will certainly improve new initiatives to be taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
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