Testing honeys with our new AFB Ultra test . . .new DNA target combined with new qPCR detection idea

The bees at the dnature lab are also excited about World Bee Day (May 20th). Here, much of our world *is* bee-related. Bee health, varroa and the Foster Method for AFB, a disease that costs NZ beekeepers millions each year

The great thing about this work is Andrew’s use of ‘We’ve’. As in, the DOC rangers are doing the testing themselves as and when needed. Great effort team 👏🏻 👏🏻

New publication: congrats to the lab team on the development and publication of a new inexpensive method for detecting varroa resistance to pyrethroids 🐝 🧬

Looking forward to working with DOC & Andrew Digby using our 'in the field' fast DNA extraction & qPCR to sex kākāpō chicks so that DOC can make timely decisions on how to manage these precious birds. @digs.bsky.social @docgovtnz.bsky.social

Preparing for a huge Kākāpo breeding season. Here we're teaching the fantastic DOC team on how to use our fast in-field PCR test to sex Kākāpo chicks. The team have swabbed themselves and are learning how to extract the DNA & run the PCR before then applying these principles to Kākāpō chicks.

This week we’re in Copenhagen for the world’s biggest beekeeping and bee research conference Apimondia. Setting up our stand and presenting out work on the innovative Foster Method for AFB, as well as varroa treatment resistance marker detection tests.

Its International PCR Day - marking the date of the first PCR experiment. Like any good first experiment . . .it failed.

If you're at #Apimondia2025, visit our stand to learn about the fast & sensitive #FosterMethod plus all our other apiculture DNA tests. Bringing New Zealand ingenuity to the apiculture world.....🧬🐝🍯

Apiarist's Advocate is a New Zealand apiculture publication that is FREE to read. If you're in the apiculture space we highly recommend subscribing - always an interesting & insightful read and yes, sometimes we're in there talking about how work too! www.apiaristsadvocate.com/post/extendi...

Abstracts close on Friday for the 6th NZHBRS: mailchi.mp/df88dc733a1a...

Looking forward to speaking at the Mānuka Orchard Apiculture Open Day alongside other apiculture experts kicking off with coffee at 8AM in the Paengaroa Community Hall, 4 Old Coach Road, Paengaroa. ☕☕ Not registered? email [email protected] @manaakiwhenua.bsky.social @s0ri23.bsky.social

Next stop, #kakapo! We’re also working with @dnature.bsky.social to use qPCR in the upcoming 2026 kākāpō breeding season. We’re hoping to use a simple bill swab to sex chicks at a very young age on the islands, so we can prioritise their care as soon as possible. #conservation #genetics

Knowing the sex of #takahe chicks as soon as possible is important for DOC's breeding programme. We developed a new rapid extraction & #qPCR sex test to help DOC determine the sex of up to 46 chicks in less an hour in the field. A game changer! #conservation @docgovtnz.bsky.social @digs.bsky.social