start part 2...
 
Small colonies cause no real problem; can be managed. Swarms are OK; not
aggressive (researchers would strip to minimum of clothing to
demonstrate their Latin 'macho' abilities to locals when handling
swarms) Not aggressive individually when foraging.
 
But in larger apiaries, hives close together, can cause life threatening
massive stinging response.  Not an allergic reaction problem, but real
systemic poisoning from multiple stings.  Venezuela reported 400 deaths
over the 15 year period.  Two dead in Texas already, many reports of
sting incidents.  Similar to shark attack or snake bite - not a common
occurance, but spectacular when it happens.
 
You do not want them.  Even with normal beekeeping suiting up, still
getting 25-50 stings/apiary.
 
AHB moved south only to cooler climates (half way down Argentina).
Remember they are tropical in origin.  Got to Texas in 1990.  Expect to
spread north to southern 1/3 of US.  Deep South fully AFB in a few
years.  Problem is that is where queens, packages produced traditionally
for northern states and Canada.  Will not spread to Canada.  If the
border does get opened, will be for certified non-AHB only, so will not
really be a problem up there.
 
Amazing suggestions to stop spread north before they got to US.  Flaming
gas jets 500M high above Panama Canal!  Swath of malathion (a US
suggestion to place in Nicaragua!).
 
No real way to stop them.
 
More of a problem in Latin American than North America.  Log hives in
Latin America.  Difficult to work, less education/extension work,
beekeeping not so sophisticated.
 
Surprised to hear NZ officials who had visited US say AHB would not be
real problem to NZ.  If they got here, would need model plan such as
Texas to minimise impact.  Beekeeping in NZ will not die, but the
problems arising would have to be dealt with and it would cost money.
 
Would need to have isolated sites, hives separated for working without
disturbing others nearby.  200-300 feet from roads, houses to avoid
problems.  Sites would be difficult to get.
 
In South America (tropical) keep sites with warning signs.  Catch
swarms, keeping smaller units but more of them.  Squads of people used
to kill off swarms (using soapy spray solution) to minimise troubles to
people.
 
Media, public education can help to alleviate problem.
 
Answer is in the queen.  Requeen hive with good queen fixes the problem.
Certification system to ensure queen not from AHB stock.  Costly, but
allows stock to be moved through US with confidence.
 
Beekeeping slowly rebounds.  South America able to select stock
eventually that is ultimately OK.  US not using that option; trying to
keep them out of beekeeping situations.
 
Opportunity for NZ to produce certified non-AHB stock for sale to US.
Perhaps reversal of trade: northern US states and Canada producing
queens and packages for southern states.
 
Beekeepers who adapt and change can continue to thrive.  Those who
ignore the problem, stick to old methods will fail.
 
Quite possible that NZ could get swarm by boat.  More likely to come in
by irresponsible beekeeper bringing in breeding stock, thinking it could
be used to improve.  NZ would have suitable climate for AHB to thrive,
especially in north.  Would spread down to about 45 degrees south
latitude (Timaru).
 
NZ has good border protection, inspection services.  If NZ got AHB,
export potential would be lost.  Beekeepers would adapt, but many would
lose businesses as it happened.
 
In countries where AHB has spread, 80-90% loss in production before
rebound as beekeepers learn how to deal with the new situation.  Changes
already underway in the US - requeening, siting, but not the end.
 
Opportunity to export non-AHB may benefit NZ.  Export problems NZ has
had to get bees into US will dimenish as the US has to accept situation.
 
Finally, as entomologist, must admire the AHB.  Supremely adapted.
Cause many problems, but must admire them for survival characteristics
in the wild.
 
Arising out of questions:
 
Big business/fear in US relates to litigation, insurance.
 
Good pheromone perception is what leads to the mass stingings.
 
Bad in Texas just now, but worst is still to come: California produces
many packages, has major queen rearing industry.  Pollination in
California will be severely effected.
 
You'll still be able to keep bees, but it will take the fun out of it.
You won't have a good time!
 
Question about moving truckload of AHB hives, say for pollination.
Winston says no way could you do it.  Worst experiences of his life are
in moving colonies.  Massive stinging when disturbed in that way.
Comment from floor      sive to 1/3 of our hives are moved for
pollination.  Winston:  'No, sive to 1/3 of your hives WERE moved for
pollination, once our u have AHB.'  AHB colony in place would be similar
linainating ability, but but u h could not e A them near people, nor
could  coulmovem n!
 
end.
 
--ted-t-t--t--t---t---t----t----t-----t-----t------t
Nick Wallingford
President, National Beekeepers Assn of New Zealand
Internet [log in to unmask]
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