Had an interesting conversation with a couple beekeepers over the past day. Not sure if this is rumors gone wild, or perhaps there is more to the details. I'm just looking for some information if it is out there.
Some details....
Seems there have been more than a few beekeepers who got packages this year in the Philadelphia area, who have very aggressive bees. And now there is at least one concerned breeder in Tennessee that is concerned due to his proximaty to another breeder who brought in large numbers of bees from a breeder in Georgia who is being "looked" at for possible aggressive bees, possibly AHB. Seems this breeder in Georgia may of thought it was a good idea to prop up his own stock by bringing in genetics from Texas. This may of also been all compounded since some package producers pass along packages for those producers needing help which happens all the time. One breeder passing along queens or packages this year means getting help when they in turn are beiind.
The chatter behind the scenes on the breeder in Georgia is not good. And when something like suggestions of a breeder having AHB being passed along to end consumers, it is not good. Due to this, I will not mention names or businesses. I am just trying to confirm or deny what is being passed along. I was asked to see if I could find out anything one way or another. Might just be over-reactive beekeepers, or even started by someone who as an itch to scratch. Might be true. Not sure at this point. Commercial guys can rally and close any further leaks of information rather quickly as it can be harmful to many beekeepers. So after the initial leak or chatter, it seems difficult to get confirmation on details.
Has anyone heard anything along the lines of the details I mentioned? Feel free to email privately at mikenida@ptd.net
Thank you.