> I'm a new beekeeper and am going to be medicating bees for AFB this
> spring. I asked our vet...

Vets usually don't know anything about bees.  Bee supply places do.
Medivet in High River and Alberta honey Co-op in Spruce Grove specialise
in these products, and sell products that are *labelled for bee use*.
If they do not have small quantities, then the best approach is to
approach a fellow beekeeper and ask if you can share out of his/her
supply.  We are all glad to share, particularly disease control
products, since nobody wants a beekeeper with AFB or out-of-control
mites in the neighbourhood :)

There are bee associations nearby no matter where you live, and they are
a great place to divide up supply orders, and to find the best prices
(and practices).  I used to drive an hour monthly to attend the Red Deer
club years ago, and ocasionally show up at a Calgary meeting, even now,
if I remember to go.

I realise that many find it surprising that beekeepers are usually happy
to help their 'competitors', but it is a fact that most do.  I share the
supplies I purchase at or near my cost (and my cost is low because I buy
bulk) with any nearby hobby or sideline beekeepers who care to ask.  I
also provide a free cup of coffee, free advice (they don't even have to
ask for that :) and some chatter, if they have the time.

I have some info on this also at
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/misc/extender/ .  That page is mostly about
extender patties, but also discusses various formulations of OTC.

Maybe I should say here that I have used these patties for about four
years now, and have cut the patty size to 1/3 over that time.  I still
use the same patty formula that weas proven by Bill Wilson, but make
them samller.  In recent years, we have had our extracted honey spore
tested and the results show a declining level of spores over the past
few years to where only one sample in 33 was positive.  We have come
from the point where -- years ago when we dusted and used syrup, -- we
saw up to 3% AFB to where, now -- in the past two years -- we have seen
NO AFB.

We are thinking that before long, we might even be able to stop using
OTC!, especially if we can get stock that we are sure is hygienic.

allen
http://www.honeybeeworld.com

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