Hello All, Several years ago, -and the archives will support this, it was the fad here to credit non-vurilunt mites for the success of non treatment beekeeping and resurgence of the ferals. A period passed which, some were crediting escaping russian stock for the success of non treatment beekeeping and the feral resurgence. Another period passed which some were crediting the spreading of genetics from the commercially produced hygienic stock for the success of non treatment beekeeping and the resurgence of the ferals. Another period passed when it was suggested that the non treatment beekeepers were succeeding because the colonies were swarming off for the express purpose of carrying away the varroa infestation from the mother colony. The idea crediting of AHB for the success of many non treatment beekeepers and the resurgence of ferals has been around for about 10 years, and lately is regaining popularity. Theres more... the replacement of comb... etc. isolated colonies and so on.... But I'll stop here. I suppose I am wondering what drives us to use commentary based on guesses or assumptions, which IMO are solely intended for the express purpose of shedding doubt or mitigating the respectful comments or reported success of others. AHB has not been detected in the state of PA, yet it has been 'guessed' as the reason for the resurgence of ferals in my area. If the intent is to promote good fact based discussion, -then should guesses and assumptions be accompanied by some supporting documentation or evidence? Or do you think it is ok to 'float' these assumptions out there as a means to cast doubt without upholding the responsibility of providing at least some evidence supporting the assumption or hearsay? Best Wishes, Joe Waggle *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm