You bring up a couple of good tangential points.  

There have been some rather inflammatory (imho) comments and publications about the lack of complete certification of Australian hives and the problems their bees may bring with them when we import them.  But, I've ordered packages of bees from Texas and California and have received no certification of 'cleanliness' from either of those places.  Is *any* certification required for shipping within the US?  Is it as stringent as is being requested from other countries?  So, why are we demanding such stringent certifications on imports from other countries?

Further, we have no qualms about moving our bees all over the country where they can be exposed to other beek's bees and the problems those bees have.  Then we bring our own infected bees back to our area to infect, yet, other bees, thus spreading the problems, effectively, nationally.  

Rather than point fingers at other countries, I would be more inclined to think that we're our worst enemy in the spread of disease and mites.

Mike

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