In a message dated 11/09/05 13:50:40 GMT Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

like  AFB, Varroa is an artifact of human behavior and here to stay, it is  a
beekeeper problem not a bee problem.



I don't think this really reflects the  situation. AFB can reasonably be
described asa beekeeper problem since beeks are  clearly the major factor in
infecting hives, though doubtless not the only one.  So the New Zealanders have
found careful hygeine by the beekeeper can make all  the difference in
controlling it. But while the initial spread of Varroa was  caused by beekeepers, and
could be described as a 'beekeeper problem', now it's  here it spreads without
beekeeper involvement. I think it's now become a bee  problem.

Regards,

Robert Brenchley
Birmingham  UK

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---