Hey Ted.
I have had EFB in my hives in Illinois. Our regional State Apiary Inspector ran some tests a few years ago, and one hive (of 2) came back positive and the other was negative. She suggested treating with Oxytetracycline. Currently, her advice (and that of Illinois) is to sprinkle 2 Tablespoons of the powder in a circle around the brood of each deep (if you're running two deeps). This treatment is repeated two additional times with 4 - 5 days between treatments. It is a requirement to wait 45 days after the last treatment before adding supers. As a matter of fact, her recommendation last Fall was to treat for EFB in the Fall and Spring of each year for about 5 years. This is difficult in the Spring because of the 45 day wait. Her recommendation is apparently a state-wide effort to get a better grip on EFB.
I get Tetra B from Dadant, which is Oxytetracycline, but a prescription from a vet is required. I think it is currently sold in 10 pound bags, which is enought to treat a ton of hives. I only have 6, so I have enough to treat for a while. I keep it in my basement refrigerator. In my case, my vet, who also treats my dogs, simply wrote a prescription and faxed it to Dadant to authorize the sale of the Tetra B. He charged me a $6 prescription fee, and helped with the coordination with Dadant. I'm sure Dr. Mike has no interest in coming out to my bee-yard. While not understanding your vet's "need" to visit the hive (and she may have valid reasons), I would suggest finding a more bee-friendly vet.
My current plan is to treat for mites in the Fall, along with EFB. This past year, I had 6 hives, and treated in the Fall. I did not treat in the Spring, but all 6 hives over-wintered and came out like gangbusters this Spring.
PappyRick
