Viruses

Viruses#

1 . Are honey bee viruses increasing or decreasing?

Increasing, largely due to transmission by Varroa destructor, which amplifies virus prevalence and virulence.

2 . What are symptoms of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV)?

  • Hair loss (bees appear shiny and black)

  • Trembling or trembling wings

  • Disorientation and fighting behavior

3 . What are symptoms of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV)?

  • Deformed or crinkled wings

  • Reduced body size

  • Often associated with Varroa infestation

4 . What are symptoms of Sacbrood?

  • Affects larvae, not adults

  • Larvae die in the pre-pupal stage with the head region often darkened

  • Infected larvae fail to pupate and form a fluid-filled sac It is not ropey like American foulbrood

  • Usually not fatal to the colony but weakens it

5 . What are symptoms of Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV)?

  • Causes rapid paralysis and death

  • Bees may appear hairless, shiny, and dark Also transmitted by Varroa

  • Can kill bees quickly, sometimes within days.

6 . What are symptoms of Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV)?

  • Similar symptoms to ABPV

  • Associated with trembling, disorientation, and paralysis

  • Has been linked to CCD in some studies.

7 . What are symptoms of Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV)?

  • Closely related to ABPV and IAPV

  • Usually remains at low levels but becomes deadly when Varroa is present

  • Causes rapid adult bee mortality.

8 . What are symptoms of Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV)?

  • Primarily affects queen larvae and pupae

  • Causes queen cells to turn dark or black

  • Often associated with Nosema infection.

9 . Key Takeaways?

  • Most honey bee viruses are present at low levels naturally

  • Varroa is the major driver turning viruses into serious diseases

  • Viral infections often overlap, making diagnosis difficult

  • Managing Varroa is the single most important step in reducing virus impact