208 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Status. 



Poist Conditions. — In 1908 a survey of the occurrence of 

 bee diseases was published.^ At that time definite cultural 

 information determined the occurrence in 8 towns. Similar 

 data for adjoining States indicated an even greater dis- 

 tribution, especially along the boundary line. Besides this 

 definite knowledge from 8 towns, beekeepers' reports showed 

 })robable infection in even greater areas. It is significant 

 of the accuracy of interpretation of the beekeepers' reports 

 that several of the localities then supposed to be infected have 

 since been demonstrated to be in a serious condition. When 

 the previous report was jiublishcd, European foul brood was 

 known to occur in and west of Worcester County only ; 

 its apparent spread is referred to below. In the past, 

 efforts to eradicate disease have been individual and periodic. 

 Such efforts can never accomplish the desired end, and it 

 is also discouraging to the individual and to all who watch 

 his eftorts. Success requires the co-operation and system- 

 atic effort of every beekee]ier in the community. Inspection 

 will furnish the medium of co-operation and add the oppor- 

 tunity for instruction and assistance. 



Process of Inspecfion. — An effort has been made to be- 

 come personally familiar with the disease situation in the 

 State. General occurrence made it necessary to select some 

 of the worst infected areas for treatment. With a focus of 

 infection as a beginning, examining each colony, the circle 

 of examination was gradually expanded until a limit of 

 disease was fouud. Each infected colony was distinctly 

 marked. Personal instructions for treatment and often 

 demonstrations were given. When necessary, apiaries were 

 revisited. The investigation in the latter part of the season 

 disclosed a considerable number of diseased colonies which 

 it was necessary to hold over for treatment next spring. 

 Instructions and caution for the safe maintenance until spring 

 were given. A record of all transactions with each beekeeper 

 has been kept on individual record cards. 



* "Bee Diseases in Massachusetts," by Burton N. Gates, Bureau of Entomology, United 

 States Department of Agriculture, Bulletin 75, Part III.; also, Massachusetts Agricultural 

 Experiment Station, Bulletin 124 (out of print). 



