The thread on this discussion has been very interesting to me as a few years
ago I bought 2nd generation Carniolans from Australia from a Canadian queen
producer and had severe problems with chalkbrood. I also know of a serious
queen breeder in the US who refused to use any more Australia stock for the
same reasons.
 When I reported these experiences to this list on a previous occasion, in
an attempt to discourage hobbyists from importing Australian stock, I was
roundly booed by some as over-generalizing. On this occasion I will just
repeat my position...I do not think that US hobbyists should be of the
opinion that they will be improving their genetics by importing stock from
Australia. In fact, the opposite (IMHO) is most likely to be true. I think
that selected US strains are likely to be the best in the world, and suggest
that hobbyists stick with them until there is evidence otherwise.
 On the subject of chalkbrood...most US stock seems highly resistant so US
hobbyists have no idea what chalkbrood can do to a hive. To vulnerable
stock, chalkbrood can be as devastating as Foulbrood and it is highly
contagious. Beware!
 Lloyd

--
Lloyd Spear
Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacture of equipment for round comb honey sections,
Sundance Pollen Traps, and producer of Sundance custom labels.
Contact your dealer or www.RossRounds.com <http://www.RossRounds.com>

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---