About Dr. Rinderer Congratulations and good luck . What is the bottom line about bees with mites and viruses? Andy Nachbaur Hawaii was not included in the virus survey . Why Not we do have mite free bees and it seems that Hawaii would have been included and we would have insisted on more diversity with the researchers . Why in the world was the USDA unable to do it's own testing without the help of the NZ advocate D Anderson having to take the samples downunder to do the testing. Re; R Nettlebeck request for praise of the USDA via E Mail. My messages have called for the USDA to be abolished or put under the supervision of a congressional oversight committee for failing to "Protect American Agriculture".... Beekeepers do seem to sit back and not participate and that is too bad and now we beekeepers must unite to solve the huge problems facing mainland beekeepers. ....And where are the US bee experts and why don't they comment. From my experiences they all have opinions and they dare not express them as the honeybee scientific world is very politically inspired. ..... Where can bees be virus tested and how much is the cost? I heard Canada was trying to develope a simpler method of testing. Any work being done by USDA for quick field testing? Who will pay for the testing and the correction of the desimated honeybee losses being reported by US beekeepers? Worchester county reporting 45 % losses. How long can this go on? When does this become a national disaster? Will food shortages occur when hiney bees are GONE? Concerned and curious Walter & Elisabeth Patton, 27-703 A Ka' ie'ie Rd., Papaikou HI.,96781 Ph./Fax. 808-964-5401 E-Mail hihoney@ilhawaii Beekeeper and Bed & Breakfast Owner in Hawaii http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/hihoney.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/beeware.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/lamalani.htm