Begin rant-

As far as I know there is no scientific evidence that extender patties have
led to AFB resistance.... but.
I was told when Apistan treatment started that we had ten years before
resistance would be detected. That prediction was right on schedule.
When did terra patties come on the scene?

The application method insures a sub lethal dose will be administered to
some colonies, just because they will not consume the entire or even most
of the patty. When my doctor gives me an antibiotic, the label directions
are quite clear- take all of it as prescribed. But in many cases the bees
are not doing that, enough to suppose that resistance could develop.

So even though the proof is not there, circumstantial evidence is fairly
strong. There does seem to be a cause and effect relationship.

The worst part of this discussion is that we are arguing about a treatment
that should not be used in the first place. I really do not care if AFB is
resistant. Burning is still the best and most effective method of
controlling AFB, since AFB has not developed resistance to that, even after
ten years. We should follow the example set by New Zealand.

All that terra is doing in ensuring AFB will be there for those of us who
do not treat.

End rant, and I feel much better.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, ME