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------------------ Original message (ID=0F7F18) (110 lines) -------------------
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 13:52:28 +0000
To: Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Dr Max Watkins <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Resistant mites speed of conquest
 
Tom Barrett asked:
> ... about the possible rate of spread of Apistan/Bayvarol resistant
> mites ... assuming that resistance is achieved by the mites'
> exposure over time, to control chemicals. If this be the case, then
> ... the spread of the resistant mites will be very rapid indeed.
 
You may be correct but experience with the spread of resistance in
Europe does not follow this pattern.
Here a resistant strain has been shown to have evolved in one region and
has spread through migration, not by spontaneous evolution, from
southern Italy following massive misuse of pyrethroids in that region.
 
The case may be different in the States but my initial feeling is that a
resistant pool is spreading rather than spot resistance evolution
happening. The US scientists may be able to tell us more.
 
> ... England (may) be colonised by resistant mites in far less than 6
> years from the date of the first confirmed outbreak ... migratory
> beekeeping will not be a major factor, if indeed it be a factor at
> all).
Who knows?  Hasn't so far, except by migration.
 
>
>I suppose that the advent of a chemical which operates differently to
>Apistan and Bayvarol, and to which initially at any rate, the mites will not
>have resistance, will in the short term improve matters.
>
Yep.
 
 
Best regards,
Max
 
--
Dr Max Watkins
Director, Vita (Europe) Limited
Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7RD, UK
 
Tel 44 (0) 1256 473 177
Fax 44 (0) 1256 473 179