>If the virus is widespread in the US, then we wouldn't obtain much info,
unless we can track the different "strains."

Over 2 million hives (how many strains?)and no funds. Good luck with that!

>Sampling could also let us know how quickly the virus spreads between
operations, and whether we're all going to get it in almonds.

"whether we're all going to get it in almonds?" Give me a break!

Aren't we being a bit naive here?

Close the border would be Carla M's solution!  Burn hives!

>Right now, only the few beekeepers tested know whether or not IAPV is in
their operation.

Who's going to pay for these IAPV tests? I know the cost of virus testing in
Florida years ago and only the largest beekeeper could afford the cost. Why
spend precious resources to DOCUMENT a virus which we have found but have no
proof is even a problem. Aren't we getting the cart in front of the horse?

 >It would be of great interest for the rest of us to know
whether it is in our bees.

Only if the virus kills bees when not in the presence of a high varroa load
in my opinion. Is the virus more dangerous that KBV?

 >For all we know, as Jim has pointed out, IAPV
could already be widespread in the US and lying latent most of the time.

I agree and we will most likely never know for sure. We will never know if
IAPV had any effect on CCD.

bob


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