Deadly virus variant threatening Canadian beekeeper hives

Beekeepers in Canada are facing a new danger to their hives.

A recent study shows a deadly version of deformed wing virus (DWV) is quickly becoming the dominant variant around the globe.

The variant, called DWV-B, has both higher transmission rates and higher virulence, and leads to a greater reduction in bee lifespan compared to previous variants. Provincial apiculturist Paul van Westendorp says the social nature of bees leads to fast and easy virus transmission.

“If a colony is acquiring a disease due to exposure … it does not take a very long time for that disease or pathogen to spread to other colonies,” said van Westendorp.

The virus is commonly spread by the Varroa mite, and van Westendorp says the mite is one of the biggest dangers to bees.

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“Before the arrival of this particular mite, the incidence of viral infections and problems associated with that was very incidental and rare,” he explained.

He says the best treatment beekeepers can follow include frequent monitoring, stress reduction, and good nutrition, since no cures are available, adding “we don’t have any medicine available for antiviral medicine to fight these viruses.”

The public can support bee populations with simple garden care and van Westendorp suggests “plant more plants that produce nectar and pollen.”

While other variants of DWV are currently circulating in B.C., he says they are endemic and seasonal. Symptoms of the DWV-B virus include twisted wings, bloated abdomens, smaller body sizes and discolouration.

The study can be read in the International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife.