A paper in Science identified the virus from a parasitic mite that has helped wipe out billions of honey bee colonies globally. The paper explained colony collapse was partially due to the Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), transmitted by the Varroa mite.
Ian Jones, Professor of Virology, University of Reading, said:
“This data provides clear evidence that, of all the suggested mechanisms of honey bee loss, virus infection brought in by mite infestation is a major player in the decline. The findings mirror other known mechanisms of virus spread and reinforce the need for beekeepers to control Varroa infestation.”
‘Global Honey Bee Viral Landscape Altered by a Parasitic Mite’ by Martin, S. et al., published in Science on Thursday 7th June.