Bee Diseases & Treatments

The deformed wing virus (DWV) is a viral infestation of the bee colony. It is also called the deformed wing disease and it affects honey bees worldwide. This virus presents multiple symptoms and deformities and is named after the most obvious one suffered by bees: wing deformation. This deformity is induced in the pupa stage of a honeybee’s lifecycle. Their wings become shrunken and deformed among other often visible developmental deformities. It has become a global crisis for the bees and also for us as humans, since our survival is tied to them.

American foulbrood is a fatal disease of honey bee brood. It is caused by the bacterium, Paenibacillus larvae. Brood that has been infected by the American foulbrood disease, dies at the pupal or pre-pupal stage. Serious infections that spread over a lot of the brood in a beehive, cause weakening of the colony and its eventual death. This article discusses American foulbrood treatment and management for honey bee colonies and the necessary actions that beekeepers should take.

Perhaps you have also come across the graphic example of the extensively publicized economic, social and political disruption that has been caused by the widespread colony collapses reported by migratory beekeepers within the US. That helps attest to the fact that honey bees face serious challenges and need intervention. Many of the challenges that play a role and can result in death of bees include: parasites, diseases, climatic factors and exposure to chemicals such as pesticides or insecticides. A virus such as the Cloudy Wing Virus (CWV), a widespread infection can have a serious effect on honey bee colonies. It has been tested and categorized as one of the viral diseases that affect bees.

A structured approach in barrier management gives you the best results in pest and disease control. It allows you unique insights into the barriers you establish and their effectiveness. You are also able to follow up and monitor performance of the barriers with ease. The barrier management system for pest and disease control in your beekeeping operation makes the operation safe, with your better understanding of risks.

The honey bee is targeted by more than 18 viruses, along with various pests, parasites and predators. One of the viruses that has been isolated and described is the Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV). As the name implies, it causes chronic paralysis in bees and is found worldwide. The virus is common and detectable throughout the year. Nonetheless, it stays dormant in asymptomatic bees. An outbreak of severe disease symptoms tends to be erratic, and will appear mostly during spring and summer, when the honey bee colony is at its peak of production.