CCD May Have Reached Alaska - Eagle River Apiary Discovers Empty Hives - News-Miner

[hatrack]

ANCHORAGE -- A beekeeper in Eagle River says his hives may be experiencing colony collapse disorder, a trend seen in 26 states.

Joe Dunham of Alaska Honey Pollen and Comb says he opened up hives this year to discover them empty.

The term "colony collapse disorder" was coined two years ago to describe dramatic disappearances of Western honey bee colonies.

No one knows why worker bees suddenly fly away. Scientists have looked at pesticides, parasites, viruses and even stress as possible causes.

EDIT

http://newsminer.com/news/2008/jun/09/southcentral-alaska-beekeeper-fears-bee-malady-may/

[Frustratedlady]

1. I think they are also studying cell phones.

Messes up their "frequency" to their route back to the hives. That's not a scientific explanation, but you get the idea.

They think they lost their way because there are too many cell phones in use.

[ElectricGrid]

3. Not likely as CCD has been traced in areas with limited cell service.

[gasperc]

2. seems extremely significant

I mean, I'm one who kinda thinks of Alaska as very far away and very remote. So for this disorder to get to Alaska could mean it is alot of things. It can be easily imported, 'it' must be everywhere, there is a commonality like the air, environment, pesticide but more or less it is very common or in something very common to all of us.

[ElectricGrid]

4. Good thoughts I agree.. when they finally figure it out...

it is going to be something stupidly obvious.

[gasperc]

5. well stupid, obvious or not

Canada has already annouced that 26% of thier hives are lost. I hope it can be traced to something simple but a)they haven't yet so it isn't that fucking simple or obvious b)if it's a pesticide issue, can it also affect humans at some point? I am neither trying to sound alarmist nor skeptical but this is a very serious environmental, agricultural and economic issue.