Re: French Bee Losses
This was in the Journal of Apicultural Research this January

> Several cases of mortality of honey bee colonies (varying from 38 to 100%) were observed in France during the winter of 2005-6. In order to explain the causes of these mortalities, a case control study was conducted on a limited area, together with a larger survey in 18 other apiaries located in 13 sites over the entire country. Both studies included diagnosis of the main honey bee diseases, assessment of the colony management measures taken by beekeepers and the determination of pesticide residues in apicultural matrices. Pollen analysis was carried out on beebread samples to identify which floral species were used for forage before colony death. Poor Varroa destructor treatments together with Nosema disease and brood diseases were frequent in apiaries with high colony mortalities. The absence of any preventive treatment against V. destructor was the main risk factor.  

Survey on 18 apiaries with high mortality located on 13 sites in France 

> The colony mortality rate among the 18 surveyed apiaries ranged between 38 and 100% (mean 66%) (Table 6). Colonies showing weakened populations were not taken into account in this survey as the symptoms could not be accurately measured and may only be subjectively interpreted.  V. destructor alone or in association with other pathogens was the most frequent disease (found in 12 apiaries out of 18). The other losses were attributed to two other severe diseases: American foulbrood (four apiaries) and A. woodi (three apiaries). Among the three medications authorised in France against V. destructor, resistance to the active substance of Apistan ND (fluvalinate) has been reported (Faucon et al., 1995). This medication should therefore not be used, or should be applied alternatively with other medications and the effectiveness checked after use. The thymol-based drug Apiguard ND has a varying efficacy, which might explain mite reinfestation (Gregorc, 2005; Palmeri et al., 2007). Although effective, Apivar ND sometimes yields unsatisfactory results (Mathieu et al., 2000) for as yet unknown reasons. Coumaphos treatments were widely used, according to interviews, often leading to residues in beeswax (Martel et al., 2007). 

Marie-Pierre Chauzat, et al

This seems to concur with what Ernesto was saying about Canadian losses. Lack of control of varroa is a serious problem in these hives.

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