Bob Gilbert mentions that EFB is not "very resistant" and like many individuals quote the fact that
unlike AFB, it is deemed to be caused by the non-sporalating M. pluton.
Treatment by use of OTC controls the clinical symptoms that usually burst onto the scene in early
spring. But at this time, many hives still will contain an upper chamber containing substantial
amounts of sealed honey from previous season (or before) and/or sealed feed material.

It appears to me - concerning colonies that have already shown previous larval deaths due to EFB,
that the presence of this material renders the use of OTC invalid. That is, as often claimed, if the
treatment is being undertaken for the eradication of the infection in the colony

It would be most useful to be informed of what is the present day estimation for the survival period
of M. pluton in stored reserves in hive conditions.
This is surely the major link in the infection cycle - the one that has to be ruptured.

Added to the above situation - early spring is the time of the year when attempts to equalise
colonies takes place. The temptation or need to move frames from one colony to another occurs.
Resulting in the potential for infected stores being opened by recipient colonies - only to release
its deadly cargo.

And whilst contemplating:
Plastic frames/ plastic foundation - valuing undoubted ease of use + all other pros. presented in
previous mails.
Do they not create the thought train that frames are present for long term use, instead of being
integrated in a rotation process?

Also, being "plastic" - what type of plastic?
And where is the final usual resting place for such - local tip (allowing for disease spread),
incineration (controlled or local bonfire) or collected for recycling (into garden chairs and
tables)?

Regards
Peter
(Rain, rain and now gales as the false acacia starts flowering)

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