> If the current named CCD problems are mainly mite/virus related > (as I predicted a very long time ago on BEE_L) then commercial > beekeepers have got big problems. First, I'm not clear on where the link has shown between detectable virus on combs, and the same virus infecting hitherto virus-free bees placed upon that comb. Given that we have the technology to detect specific viruses in specific bee tissue and mites without extraordinary effort or expense, I don't feel that this is an unreasonable expectation. Second, we know that the absolute best way to communicate viruses between bees is via varroa, so we've had excellent opportunities to see worst-case scenarios of viruses for decades. Why would the build-up of viruses on comb result in symptoms never before seen, when the much more direct transmission mechanism of "bee to varroa to bee" has never produced such symptoms? Even if we had a "new virus" behind CCD, why would the virus not be transmitted in "traditional" ways? I have a hard time buying both "a new virus" >>>and<<< a new mechanism for transmission of that virus, both newly appearing at the same time. So why would the symptoms associated with CCD show up now, if this were a virus-driven problem? And how could the problem be so widespread "all at once", defying the usual pattern of epidemiology (not to be confused with entomology, epistemology, or etymology). I have similar doubts about many of the theories being put forth about CCD. When diagrammed, they seem to defy the usual mechanisms of both "disease spread" and "environmental contamination". To compare and contrast, we have the contaminated pet food situation to show us just how quickly answers can appear when there is a clear pattern common to multiple cases. We don't seem to have any statement from anyone that would lead us to understand "the pattern to CCD". Not to date, anyway. And to make matters worse, these same symptoms have been seen before in the 1970s and 1960s, long before varroa showed up in North America. In these prior "outbreaks", the problems apparently went away on their own before the cause(s) could be found. I need a stiff drink. ****************************************************** * Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at: * * http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm * ******************************************************