> Or is the reason the dogs aren't being used anymore because
> government AFB programmes in the US have in most places been wound
> down?
 
That's the case here in ALberta.
 
Although our organisation was very concerned about AFB 15 years ago,
we have since decided that it mostly a matter for a beekeeper to deal
with privately, since Tetracycline has proven pretty effective for
control, and the (scarce) funds are required elsewhere -- to educate
and assist in dealing with a new threat -- the mite invasion.
 
We are working on a new draft of our bee act, and although AFB will
continue to be mentioned, as I recall, most of the emphasis on
dealing with it will be in extension -- teaching new beekeepers and
those with problems how to manage it.
 
Regards
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>