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Deformed Wing Virus Science Report

Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 3:33 pm
by JP*
Science Daily - Deformed Wing Virus

Just linking to this report for everyone's interest.

Deformed Wing Virus Science Report

Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:58 pm
by windwalkingwolf
I'm surprised the import and export of bees has not been more heavily restricted.

Deformed Wing Virus Science Report

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 6:20 am
by Flat Rock Farm
Wonder what goes through the heads of these scientists that they would even develop something like this, no honey bees, no life!!

Deformed Wing Virus Science Report

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 12:36 pm
by Bakers Backyard
Maybe I missed something, but I fail to see how they prove is this article that deformed wing virus is humanmade...
It's widely known by beekeepers that deformed wing virus (DWV) is one commonly spread by varroa mites, and varroa wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for importation from countries where they are native to. "Varroa Destructor" has been plaguing honeybee colonies in Canada since somewhere in the early 90's. Import and export nowadays is heavily regulated to avoid spread of other pests. One large one being small hive beetle, which is all through the USA and is now showing up in areas of Ontario despite efforts to prevent it.
People going around the proper channels of bee import and export could cause a lot of problems... Even newfoundland apparently is free of varroa mites... if someone were to bring in a colony infested with mites, that would change beekeeping on the rock for ever. Mites don't fly or jump, they have to transfer by bee to bee contact.

Deformed Wing Virus Science Report

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 1:22 pm
by JP*
I believe they intend to convey that, just as you said, it is the Import and Export of infected colonies that make the Varroa mites so widespread. Just like the Avian Flu outbreak from last year it all boils down to Bio-Security.

Deformed Wing Virus Science Report

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 2:29 pm
by Bakers Backyard
yes, but deformed wing virus isn't the only reason mites are hard on bees, so the article is misleading. Humans are to blame for so many problems regarding biosecurity. Seemed like a good idea at the time, then we pay.

Deformed Wing Virus Science Report

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 2:34 pm
by ross
Agree Bakers ...Headlines outsell content & most folks dont really read /understand content . :-(