Bob was writing in a message that he thought there was
no way to say OA cleared all the hives of varroa
making all hives equal especially *if* all hives had
sealed brood.

I would like to comment back Bob that the OA treatment
was done during a brood less period with the purpose
of 'equalizing' the mite load and not with the intent
of eliminating the mite load. as mites would be
essential for conducting a mite test.

Bob mentioned that chalkbrood problem (depending on
level) compromised the test.  This would not be the
case because it was mentioned that "both groups were
affected by chalkbrood".  Likewise, weather conditions
for example could not compromise the test because it
would affect both groups.

Bob calling the Norway tests,,, "Very primitive".
I would respond that the pundits have always called
for for the test to be done with large and small cell
colonies in the same apiary under equal conditions.
It seems that when another bit of evidence is
produced, the pundits move the bar a bit higher.

JOe





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