I was glad to see Randy's comments and surprised at Peter's.

Peter implied that he is aware of commercial operations without AFB who do
not treat with Terramyacin or Tylosin as a prophylactic.  If we say that a
commercial operation must have at least 1,000 hives, I only know of one that
makes such a claim.  I hope Peter is right, but I know a lot of commercial
beekeepers and only one who says he does not treat.

Perhaps my sample is skewed because almost all commercial beekeepers around
here take their hives south for either the entire winter or a part just
before apple pollination.  They tell me it is impossible to avoid AFB in the
crowded conditions that exist in Florida, the Carolina's, and Virginia.

I went 20+ years with no treatment and no signs of AFB, but other than the
two initial hives I never bought a comb, frame or box from another
beekeeper.  Then when I wanted to go from 40 hives to 200, I bought all
three from a commercial beekeeper non-migratory) who told me he did not have
AFB.  Only a year later did I learn he meant 'I don't see AFB because I
treat with Terramyacin every spring'.  This guy was inspected every year and
was not cited for AFB.  Presumably because no vegetative state was found
(now that I know what it looks like, I know his frames are FULL of scale)
and possibly because of the 'buddy system' that might prevail when
commercial beekeepers are also inspectors.

Some 7 years ago I tried to go without treatment in four yards.  The first
year I did not have any trouble, but the second was a disaster.  Since, I
have treated annually, but still find some every spring (perhaps one hive in
a 25-hive yard).  This coming spring I will again try a few yards without
treatment, but only those yards where I have never seen AFB.

If I find a hive with a strong population with AFB I will shake them onto
foundation and feed.  I have never seen AFB again in such a hive.  But
usually the hives with AFB are weak and then I burn everything, including
any supers.

-- 
Lloyd Spear
Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacture of equipment for round comb honey sections,
Sundance Pollen Traps, and producer of Sundance custom labels.
Contact your dealer or www.RossRounds.com

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