Peter Dillon <[log in to unmask]> wrote: "What do you mean by the word 'weapon'?" Hi Peter, I am not a biologist, microbiologist, or medical doctor; nor do I know specifically all types of bacteria that in this case are "targeted" with the use of chloramphenicol. Perhaps someone else on the BEE-L more knowledgeable and qualified than myself could enlighten us about such bacteria that are harmful to humans, adult honey bees and larvae alike and why chloramphenicol is specifically used and not tetracycline. I tried to politely paint the source of moisture the bees pick up and carry back to their hives and why chloramphenicol is used without going into specific detail or beyond the scope of my knowledge. As you know in rural areas honey bees will sometimes be found in barn yards taking up water contaminated with animal waste; I was not writing about barnyards and animal waste in my previous posting, chloramphenicol is used to kill bacteria found in human waste that is taken back to the hive by foraging workers searching for liquids, and it is my understanding that the same bacteria is harmful to honey bee larvae and to a lessor extent honey bee adults. Chuck Norton Reidsville, NC :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::