>
> >And, it isn't that one is right and the other is wrong.


Actually, it is just that.  Hard evidence shows that local feral stocks can
exist despite commercial stocks being brought in.  That doesn't mean that
it will always occur, but it certainly appears to be a fact that it CAN
occur.  So those who claim that it can't occur are indeed wrong.

I agree with Paul's overall assessment.

> Will varroa from one area differ from those from somewhere else?

Not likely so long as we continue to move managed hives throughout the
country, and maintain a high host density (number of hives per apiary =
greater than one).  This situation will always favor the most virulent
parasites.  Biologically, I see only two long-term sustainable
solutions--either greatly reduce the population of managed hives, or breed
bees that can manage varroa on their own.


-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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