I don't doubt his work.  However, as Randy mentioned, what we call CCD  and 
overwinter loss from mites are not the same.  
 
Coming from MT, I do see a problem in northern climates.  One can have  the 
loss associated with varroa mites during the winter.  IF CCD 'layers'  on, 
it would be hard to distinguish.
 
That said, the description of the signs from the Vancouver bees, based on  
the the beekeepers that I called on the Island, sounds to me like classic 
CCD,  not the typical mite influenced winter loss.
 
Everyone who has looked at lots of CCD knows that not all CCD operations  
have mite problems, nor did they have a mite problem.  Similarly, lots  did.
 
Jerry

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