This  message was  originally  submitted by  [log in to unmask] to  the  BEE-L list
at
LISTSERV.ALBANY.EDU.  It was edited to remove excessive quotes of previously
posted material.

----------------- Original message (ID=94645258) (60 lines)
-------------------
Subject: RE:      Re: AFB infection rates
Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2001 22:04:59 -0500
From: "Al Lipscomb" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology"
<[log in to unmask]>

Many things contributed to the high rates. Honey bee colonies were at a
high density. Both domestic and feral hives were everywhere. The Italian
strain, with its stronger tendency to rob had gained favor. The
infection took long enough to become fatal to allow the colony to linger
as a source of infection and after death remain to continue as a source
of spores.

Since the inspection program did so well, I would also guess that
beekeeping was gaining ground as a hobby. But (nod to George) there were
a lot more beeHavers than BeeKeepers.