> A recent survey (March 14—19, 2007) of Ohio beekeepers found that on average there is a 72% loss of live colonies from September 2006 until March 2007. A closer breakout indicates that beekeepers with fewer than 100 colonies had an average 55% loss, those with 100 to 500 colonies averaged 67%, and those with over 500 colonies averaged 75% loss. There did not appear to be any difference in area of the state. Why the difference in loss as the size of operation increases?  The thought that comes to mind the quickest is time spent per colony. Is an average of 72% loss unusual? Yes, at one time a 10% or less loss was considered normal then with mites that number rose to nearly 30%. The 72% is an unheard of amount.

> It is hard to say if something is or is not CCD as there is no clear definition of CCD.

John C Grafton
OHIO INFO BEE
Ohio State University Extension Service
Ohio Department of Agriculture

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