importation of bees

[Calum]

Primary cause = the beekeeper.

Incorrect varroa management leads to anemic bees which are open to all sorts of infections and illnesses

Trying to keep weak colonies through the winter brings strong ones down with them - sick bees fly into the strong colonies & strong rob the weak and pick up the infections or by that stage more likely dysentery.

Not skimping on feeding enough in the autumn (giving the winter bees food in the winter early spring shortens their lives considerably).

Keeping bees in an area where they can collect a good variety of pollen.
In Russia winter runs from October to May (thats freezing temperatures down to -35°C) and they keep their bees alive harvest honey and manage varroa.

Cool site from the Republic of Mari El http://www.mari-el.ru/bee/ second biggest export after wood is honey. Population 800 000. Federal Law section is very interesting.