Bill wrote:  >>> But statistics do give those separate from the problem an
idea of the extent of the problem. Right now, because there is no
quantification of the extent of CCD, there can be hype and hysteria.<<<

 

The number I heard that makes sense is 25% of all losses last year were CCD.
I'll check the source again. I asked a 'keeper with about 20,000 colonies if
he had had any trouble with CCD. His answer was telling. "I wouldn't tell
you if I did!" He wasn't just being obtuse. Telling someone your bee
troubles is a lot like giving out a financial statement. These guys rely on
recurring contracts and there is competition. How nervous would a grower be
if he knew his primary contractor had CCD? A 'keeper scrambling around to
buy or rent bees to cover those contracts doesn't want to look like his back
is to the wall. Then there are those who just don't want the trouble of an
official inspection. Just hiding the homemade pesticide delivery systems
would take a lot of time. And of course beekeepers are an independent lot
anyway. It's a small wonder that investigators keep silent on their sources.
Add to that the fact that if you have SOME bees you can split and force
other splits with feed, making up losses. "Almonds were covered," doesn't
say how.

 

I think what your circle brings you to is that the facts will always be
unknowable. Investigators promised some secrecy and others don't report. 

 

Dick Marron

 

 


******************************************************
* Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at:          *
* http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm  *
******************************************************