Very complicated issue. Aside from the question of whether bees should be classified as animals. I 
should think not, you don't want animal rights people telling you how to keep bees, I'm quite sure.

But the use of TM to combat foulbrood. I tell people if they are quite certain there is no foulbrood in 
their area, then there is no justification for the use of TM on bees.

However, if there is foulbrood in your area, you have to consider the fact that bees are promiscuous and 
they will pick it up. 

So the question becomes: do you treat your hives as isolated from the population as a whole or not? 
They aren't, of course. 

It is perfectly logical to consider the whole picture and if there is foulbrood in your area then you are 
justified in treating your own hives to halt its spread. 

My opinion.

pb

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