Sender: |
|
Subject: |
|
From: |
|
Date: |
Fri, 29 Mar 1996 10:31:14 -0800 |
In-Reply-To: |
|
Reply-To: |
|
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Re. Kashmir Bee Virus - Walter Patton
Walter, I do not understand that when the discussion about Kashmir Bee
Virus is presented by others in a reasoned and well-articulated manner
but not to your liking, you chose to respond by criticizing and
questioning the integrity of others.
Wallingford stated (perhaps with some justifiable pride) the
accomplishments and expertise of Dr. Anderson in the field of bee
viruses. It doesn't mean that everyone has to agree with Anderson on
his scientific findings and conclusions, but there is no basis to
question the integrity of his arguments.
The same applies to Dr. Shimanuki. Indeed, he did visit New Zealand and
Australia some years ago to get a better understanding about the bee
health control mechanisms they have in place out there. What basis do
you have to be so cynical in brushing off his visit as a 6-week paid
holiday? You probably would have been as accusatory if USDA would not
have send a bee researcher on a fact-finding mission, and let US
beekeepers in the dark about the situation in the southern hemisphere.
I know Walter, that you have been bitterly opposed to the decision(s) of
your government on its bee import policy, as it unfolded in the fall of
1994. (Your correspondence in several ABJ issues of that time attest to
that). Some of your arguments have been valid. I also remain concerned
about the potential impact KBV (and other viral agents) might have in
the future where Varroa acts as principal vector. But so far, KBV has
not proven to be the disasterous agent some have claimed it to be.
Although here in Canada we have done surveys (indeed we have KBV which
had been reported as far back as 1985) and further research, it remains
a highly specialized field of research that requires very expensive
equipment to carry out. Without anyone claiming that KBV and others are
harmless, the findings have so far failed to indicate that KBV is of
comparable significance to other pests such as HBTM, AFB, Chalkbrood or
Varroa. You may not agree with it but that is what our experience and
literature tell us.
In regards to posting our utterances, lets not stand on our soapboxes
and become accusatory; keep the discussion focused on the issue(s).
Paul van Westendorp [log in to unmask]
Provincial Apiarist
British Columbia
|
|
|