>> I also
wonder if, after a while, a new kind of 'equilibrium' might be set up as
'managed' swarms escape, replacing the 'dying' feral colonies. >>

There has been speculation that this is occurring
to some degree.

However, beekeepers in some areas are 
experiencing an upsurge in calls for swarm 
removal, prompting another speculation
that beekeepers may also be replacing dying 
commercial stock with feral colonies. 

>>The survival
rate for swarms and casts never seemed statistically high even without
varroa.>>

I never knew this to be the case.
Prior to the arrival of varroa,
colony survival for prime swarms
seemed quite high. in my experience.

Best Wishes,
Joe Waggle

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