>>Maybe, but I don't think that packages could possibly be an 'equal'
contributor to the speed at which the pathogens and pests are traveling.

You are right on the speed. :) I was merely referring to the contribution.

>>By defination, bees in package operations are healthy.

That's relative, of course.  My first and only package was rather loaded with mites and the resulting colony was weak at the end of the season.  It may have been an exception to the rule but it only takes a handful of healthy pests to colonize an area.

>>One just cannot get good 'shakes' from a hive that is weakened very much. 

In the case of varroa, some strong colonies can be loaded with varroa, at least for a while until other factors kick in.

>>Several 18 wheelers did the trick in 48-60 hours, and then
*my* varroa only had to travel 60 miles to get to my bees!  What could be more clear?

We don't get 18 wheelers loaded with hives in my out-of-the-way area but we do get packages every year so for our small group packages are a much bigger factor.  It's probably just the opposite in your area, of course.

Waldemar
Long Island, NY

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