>
> >Is there an authoritative definition/set of characteristics of CCD
> available anywhere?


The definitive characteristic during broodrearing season is the sudden
depopulation of the hive, leaving behind plenty of brood.  This is the
unusual sign.  And as Bob says, typically hits an apiary hard, appearing to
be transmissible from hive to hive.
During winter, more difficult to classify, since there is little brood.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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