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Viruses
Overview
Viruses are the most difficult diseases to diagnose:
- Infected bees are asymptomatic at low levels and only begin showing symptoms at high levels
- Symptoms may not be evident in all life stages of a honey bee
- Many different viruses can exhibit the same symptoms
- Several viruses can be present in a colony at once, making it difficult to interpret symptoms and distinguish the effects of one virus over another. Furthermore, viruses cannot be viewed with a simple microscope like the spores of American foulbrood or Nosema.
Integrated Pest Management
Control Methods
Cultural
- Ensure you have strong colonies.
- Keep hive tools clean
- Limit stressors
- Ensure colonies have proper nutrition
- Use entrance reducers
- Reduce colony drift & robbing
- Place hives near landmarks
- Spread hives out (10+ yds apart is best)
- Orient entrances in different directions
Genetic
- Ensure you have a fertile queen. If not a strong colony, re-queen
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Treatment Methods
Cultural
- Discard any infected matting NUCs and cell builders.
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Disclaimer: eMail comments to me at BeekeepingBoK @ Gmail.com. The process of beekeeping can cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment. |