Aloha Bee -L readers Everytime I open my e-mail and see the virus alert messages I get excited that maybe some one is starting a thread about honeybee viruses. I must admit being a person that has been wiped out by a computer virus before that I am glad to see the proper concern about the spread of computer viruses. I am also very concerned about the introduction and subsequent spread of honeybee viruses. Does anyone have any new information about these viruses? Who is doing research on viruses and where ? Why have the viruses only now been found to be the problem on bees with mites ? Is there any hope for bees with mites if they also viruses? What is our USDA doing to try and find answers to the viruses problem. ? One leading bee research person suggests that the viruses may have been introduced by the ever popular trade and movement of live bees around the world ? Kashmir Bee Virus has been detected in sufficient amounts to have caused mortality , in extracts of dead bees from colonies in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Canada ,in the absence of mites. Where is the USDA with the mission statement to protect American Agriculture ?Silent ! Why ? I have my ideas , and I would like to hear from others about this subject. I have been given the opportunity talk at the Western Apiculture Society conference to be held August 1996 in Kona , Hawaii. My assigned topic is to discuss the problems with transiting of New Zealand bees through Hawaii . My concern s are many as we in Hawaii may not have been contaminated with viruses since our state laws have prohibited the entry of bees or used bee hive equipment into Hawaii since the mid 1980's. Readers are encouraged to respond and share their fears and concerns. Hawaii is the most isolated place on earth and the bio-logical isolation should be protected. This is one of the real major issues that must be addressed if beekeeping as we have known in the past is to have a chance. Where is the US beekeeping industry at this crucial moment ? Where are our leaders ? We need everyone to come together with one strong voice to demand solutions from the USDA which seems to be unconcerned with the virus issue. New leadership is needed at the top level of honeybee research in the USDA , some one who is unbiased and objective with the primary goal of protecting and improving the plight of U.S. beekeepers . Thanks and reply with confidence that I won't reveal my sources even if tortured. Walter Patton 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