On Tue, 13 Feb 2007 18:04:55 -0600, Bob Harrison <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>I don't want to dispute the experts but I know PMS signs when I see it as do
>most of us which make a living from bees.
>

Bob I would not dispute that you and your acquaintances/friends know high mite load symptoms 
and understand foul brood etc.  However I'm always amazed at how many commercial or larger 
sideline beekeeps I meet who don't understand: 

- the mite life cycle
- differences or limitations of mite treatments
- the connection between mites and viruses
- that antibiotics only cover up foulbrood
- how drift and robbing transfers mites and FB
- I could list more

From what I have observed most BEE-L participants have a better understanding then maybe the 
average beekeeper so we may not realize how in the dark some of the rest of the beekeeping 
world is in a day and age were beekeeping has gotten more technical and complex. 

To further validate my thought, why would we have resistant mites & AFB and susceptible stock if 
the bulk of beekeepers had a grasp of mites and FB? 

I'm starting to come to the same conclusion that maybe Bob has and that is the only disorder in 
this "disease" is the disorder in the minds and operations of some beekeepers.........

I guess maybe we can assume that is the answer if there is never a clear cut diagnosis or 
explanation for CCD. I actually hope that is the case as that would mean the problem is solve-able 
and not a new crisis.

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