From the viewpoint of the latest nation invaded by varroa, the
discussion on this list is interesting but patchy.
         May I suggest that the leading expert is Dennis Anderson PhD (an
Australian who worked for our govt several years but then went back home)?
As far as I can see he is the leading formal publisher on, and named, the
species which has now invaded us:  _Varroa destructor_ .
        Our officials have been sluggish to respond to the emergency, and
have now proposed a control programme centred on Apistan® which some of us
refuse to put into our hives.  We want a much more broadminded R&D
programme including several other chemical methods (various methods of
administering thymol, formic acid, etc).
        The idea of smaller-distance foundation is tantalising.  I just
wish I could readily see more evidence on its efficacy.


R


-
Robt Mann
consultant ecologist
P O Box 28878   Remuera, Auckland 1005, New Zealand
                (9) 524 2949