Hello All,
The problem with the current CCD research is getting to the problem.

Mixed
in with possibly a NEW problem ( or not) is:

The normal losses of these beekeepers from the usual causes:
Up to 35% for many migratory beekeepers and 50% does not cause alarm in
those which only winter their best stock but then that was before the gold
rush to California almonds.

Then toss in another 10-15% for drought related problems last fall.

Then toss in problems last fall related to lack of fall pollen (drought
related in Midwest). Not raising winter bees.

Then consider the high number of beekeepers which claim they had super high
queen loss last fall after using apiguard. Once queenless the bees drifted
to other hives ( even leaving brood) creating the CCD look.

How many were fed off spec HFCS?


Then consider the accepted queen loss when bees are moved is 10% ( perhaps
up to 20% if stressed).

Then consider some African genetics is in many commercial operations. Would
not the AHB genetics increase absconding causing the disappearing part.

Ok now how many hives are now effected with this new problem?

Note I did not speak to varroa & tracheal mites above. All the CCD symptoms
are common to hives over varroa threshold and crashing.

If varroa is the problem

( one of the commercial beekeepers involved said it could not be a varroa
issue as he treated his hives with peppermint oil soaked shop towels------
Hmmm)

then we are back to the PMS virus issue.

Control the varroa and you control the virus.

also:

If a huge amount of virus contamination is on the comb then the next swarm
will crash earlier  than the normal four months of intense brood rearing.

A few thoughts.

Sincerely,
Bob Harrison


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