In a message dated 07/01/2010 00:31:56 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Bill T  wrote:  I continually am amazed that organically grown horses and 
cows  can be
treated with non-organic practices if they come down with problems.  Might 
it
be the investment represented by that horse or cow? Why then voice  concern
when a commercial beekeeping operation with an even greater  investment does
the same?


The modern distinction between 'organic' and 'non-organic' husbandry  is 
not relevant - and easily very confusing.  All life-forms are organisms,  and 
all are subject to the same need for selection of the fittest, and  
elimination of the weakest in every generation.
 
The most important aspect of husbandry (by which I mean _all_ forms of  
keeping stock - and the same goes for plants) is that parents are selected for  
health and against pests and diseases.  This is how bloodlines are kept  
strong.
 
With cows, sheep etc this is simply standard practice, and it is simple to  
exclude vulnerable individuals from contributing to the next  generation.  
Rule of thumb: if you need to get the vet out, they go to  market - out of 
the possibility of breeding.  The selection of the best  parents is 
undertaken as a high art.  
 
With bees no such control is possible.  If you keep duffers alive  by 
treating, they will push their genes into the next generation.  That  will weaken 
your own future bees, local wild bees and your neighbours'  bees.  
 
Since a great many beekeepers have done this for several decades  now, 
there has been a global weakening of stocks, to the point where  there is a 
continuous health crises.  That's why the greater  concern.  
 
Do you see the difference?  It has nothing to do with levels of  investment 
(or with the modern distinction between 'organic and 'non-organic'  
approaches to husbandry.  It is about the universal need to be  selective about 
parentage in order to keep populations healthy in the face  of constantly 
evolving pests and diseases.
 
Beekeepers must learn the cardinal rule of husbandry: put best to best and  
eliminate the weak.  Selective breeding must occur in every generation, or  
increasing weakness will continue.  The 'medical' model of beekeeping is  
quite simply misbegotten, unviable.
 
Mike Bispham
 
http://www.suttonjoinery.co.uk/CCD/

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