>>You may be correct about the field-realistic exposure levels,  yet we 
find that for some viruses, we can't reuse the combs.  In 2010, I  put the 
combs from a collapsed colony into an observation hive wired to monitor  bee 
flight activity.  Within 3 months the collapse played out just as one  would 
expect.  Best that we could determine, the bees introduced were  thriving when 
placed into the hive.  



So,  from a day-to-day practical application, does this mean we should  not 
reuse plastic foundation brood frames?  I still use beeswax foundation  
brood frames and replace them typically when a colony dies for some "unknown"  
reason.  
 
What about plastic foundation honey super frames?  I typically run  beeswax 
foundation brood frames that I replace on a five year rotation or when a  
colony dies  for some unknown reason.  However, I run plastic  foundation in 
my honey supers.
 
Replacing frames is expensive, but sure beats having viruses in the  colony.
 
Dave MacFawn
Lexington, SC
 


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