I worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras from 1987 to 1990 and my
specialty was apiculture.  In my experience with the Africanized Bee my
suggestion is that the best defense is offense.  In other words, the mor
e that beekeepers and beekeeping organizations/groups can do to spread
the good publicity re. bees and beekeeping, the easier the public relati
ons battle will be regarding the AHB.  Many of the countries that witnes
sed the invasion of the AHB in the 80's did little if nothing to prepare
the public.  The one country that did prepare the public and the media
was Mexico, and their program has limited public reaction in the forms
of legislation against beekeeping.  It is imperitive that we (beekeepers
, researchers, etc...) start our own public relations campaign now.  It
really is too little and too late if we start after the arrival of the
AHB in a specific area or if we respond in the aftermath of a stinging
event.  Additionally, for as many negatives that there are re. the AHB
there are some positives that should be mentioned.  In the tropical and
subtropical environments where I worked the bee we had little problems
with tracheal mites and foulbrood.  The bees were excellent pollinators
and prolific brood rearers.  There are, of course, many downsides as
mentioned in other communications.  Matt Ter Molen. University of Chic