During the 1969 seasonal summer and fall inspection from July 1969 

 the annual statistical report was compiled which indicated a reduction 

 Hin the disease of bees from 3.3?^t AFB in 1968 to 2.2% in 1969. Most of 

 this was concentrated in the Eastern part of Massachusetts. More EFB 

 also was present, probably 1.5?'o than has been detected this spring 1970. 



In the 1970 January to July inspection, an increase of about 50% 

 more AFB was foimd in the Western part of Massachusetts and a reduction 

 of AFB and EFB in Eastern Massachusetts. This indicates more treatment 

 has been londertaken by the big Eastern Massachusetts Pollinators. The 

 gas treatment of Andy Card Merrimac Valley Pollinators has reduced dis- 

 ease from 10% to less than 1% AFB. 



Out of State Pollinators inspected in Pl^nnouth County seem to have 

 controlled disease quite v/ell with anti-biotics and burning. EFB has 

 not shown up nearly as bad in Plymouth County as was evidenced last 

 year at this time. 



Interest in bees has been on the increase and more new beekeepers 

 have been found. Winter kill has been severe in v/estern Massachusetts 

 but most of these beekeepers who have saved their equipment intend to 

 continue next year. 



The public has been more receptive to honey consumption and interest 

 in bees. The good nectar flavor has produced an excellent crop of honey 

 so far this year exceeding all previous years in eastern Massachusetts. 

 On the TV program entitled "the New England Farmer", Station V^HDH, I 

 gr.ve the public some information on the difference of stinging insects. 

 Slides were shovm to shov/ the difference betv/een honeybees, bumble bees, 

 wasps and hornets. Slides for this presentation were loaned by the 

 ^ludubon Society at Lincoln Massachusetts and Dr. Frank Shaw of the 



