Project Apis m., a leading honeybee research organization focused on improving pollinator health, has recently identified the primary cause of widespread honeybee colony collapses earlier this year. According to their studies, the collapses were primarily driven by parasitic mites that are both resistant to commonly used miticides and carriers of viral infections.
Supporting these findings, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Bee Research Laboratory conducted extensive sampling of honeybee populations across the country. Their analyses revealed consistently high levels of deformed wing virus (DWV) types A and B, as well as acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), in all bees recently sampled under USDA programs. These viruses are known to compromise bee immune systems, reduce lifespan, and impair essential behaviors such as foraging and navigation, which are critical for colony survival.
The USDA ARS emphasized that these viral infections, compounded by the challenge of miticide-resistant parasitic mites, are the primary drivers behind the recent dramatic losses of honeybee colonies nationwide. This finding underscores the need for integrated pest management strategies, development of new antiviral treatments, and continued research into bee resilience and colony health.
The implications of these discoveries are significant, given honeybees’ essential role in pollination and agriculture. Mitigating these threats is not only vital for maintaining honeybee populations but also for safeguarding global food security.
