Beekeeper struggles with Colony Collapse Disorder

Beekeepers around the world are struggling with Colony Collapse Disorder. Dennis Arp has lost approximately half of his hives costing him about $60,000 (US) between replacement bees and contracts lost. Ft. McDowell Indian reservation, Arizona. 23/04/2007.

Arizona bee keeper Dennis Arp lost almost 50 percent of his hives in the last year for no apparent reason. The syndrome has been termed "Colony Collapse Disorder" and was first reported on the East Coast of the US last fall. Researchers do not know what is causing the disorder. Stress, parasites, disease, pesticides and a lack of genetic diversity are all being investigated. German researchers are also studying the possibility that radiation from cellphones is scrambling the bees' internal navigation systems. Arp said CCD has cost him about $60,000 (US) between replacement bees and contracts lost because so many of his hives have disappeared.