In article <[log in to unmask]>, Harry Goudie
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Scotland is a very small country but, geographically it is very diverse
>there being great difference in terrain and climate between the borders
>and the highlands and also between east and west coasts. I think that
>there will be many places in Scotland which will remain varroa free
>especially on the west coast and western and nothern Islands where
>people and bees are widely spaced. I think therefore that destroying
>infected hives in these areas is the best policy. I would like to see
>some sort of registration of hives so that when one appears in the
>middle of a heather moor you know where it has come from and its owner's
>name and address. Since Scotland is no longer considered to be "Varroa
>Free" the restrictions on moving bees will no longer apply which I think
>will cause a lot of problems in areas which do not have the mite. A
>tragedy for the Islands!
Unfortunately, as those in the west of Ireland have just discovered to
their cost, isolation is no real protection.
Harry, it could be YOUR bees (or mine) which go down with this pest next
because the vectors of spread are so diverse.
The recent discovery in St Andrews in eastern Scotland, and the Irish
find, are in resident colonies. The infestations are already between two
and four years old. Destruction is useless as it is pretty well certain
that the mites will have spread.
In Scandinavia offshore islands became infested and it could be
demonstrated that no bee movements were taking place. It is believed
that dead bees wedged in the front of tourist cars(or any vehicle
travelling substantial distances) which had come from infested areas
were one vector of spread, as the mite can live on the body until
dessicated, which can take a few days, then jump off to a local bee
which comes to investigate the disgorged contents of the dead bees
stomach. Another vector is that drones have, in some Danish research
(which I believe is disputed), been shown to travel great distances, up
to 40 miles in one case, to congregating areas.
As I believe that you have a tourist outlet there at Lochluichart, then,
if the Scandinavian theory is correct, you are at risk from this route.
Once you find it in resident colonies then I'm afraid it is established
in your area, as it is HIGHLY unlikely you will detect it first season.
thus destruction will only cause severe anguish to those who lose their
bees and probably do nothing to protect their neighbours who will
already be carrying the pioneers in their hives.
The only exception I can see which would fit your desired model of
destruction is if infested colonies are brought into an area, such as
for heather as you state, AND the area in which they have arrived is
still deemed varroa free, AND the owner declines to remove them back to
from whence they came. Even then the time window is short. It MIGHT then
buy you a season or two.
I'm afraid that the only realistic point of view is that infestation is
inevitable and it could appear anywhere, at any time. We are getting
ready to deal with it, and will NOT be seeking destruction of the hives
of the first unfortunate to find it in our area.
Murray
--
Murray McGregor
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