However, queen breeders and beekeepers have continued to
>smuggle stock in from other countries in the apparently mistaken belief
>that there is some magical strain out there that could outperform their
>existing strains.  (Editorial:  More efficient management has always been a
>better solution.)
 
While I agree with some of what you say, I take exception to your above
statement, not that I condone smuggling bees. There is a better bee. We here
in Ontario have been working on Tracheal mite resistant Queens since '91?,
and we are successful. I can trace our resistant stock improvement, to a
Buckfast (quarantined) importation made threee years ago. While I agree that
efficient management is helpful, a good strain of bees to suit your area is
critical. During our breeding program we have found that not all bees are
created equal, and we have to practise "Cull the worst, breed the best".
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