superbee wrote:

 > In my opinion it shouldn't
 > be individual beekeepers that should be fined, but the USDA and Bayer
 > for allowing the product to be on the market without full testing and
 > warnings about possible side-effects.  Bayer should be sued for
 > damages caused to queen rearing operations because it failed to warn
 > the end-users.

Here in Maine, and I would guess in many States, Cumophose was
authorized by an emergency request by the State because of the failure
of Apistan. So the EPA was asked to relax their standards so the bee
population could be protected. So if there is anyone to be sued, it is
those who wanted it without adequate testing, which is the Beekeepers.
Interesting court case.

I think I recall that there was a lot of politicking to get it even
though it is supposed to be phased out by the US. Sort of like the Pogo
(dates me) comment that we have met the enemy and it is us.

It was used because there were no true alternatives. I, and many others,
would never use it, since I do not like organophosphates and other
hormone type pesticides.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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