Actually, I am acquainted with quite a few small to medium sized beekeeping concerns that never use antibiotics, as well. It depends entirely on what kind of environment you are in. 

I don't use them, but I inspected this region and I never found any AFB in my township. There are quite a few townships where going bare would be impossible. 

WHich begs the question, would you be smarter to avoid such areas? Particularly with no inspectors sniffing around, and lots of newbees sprouting up all over. 

PLB

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