Varroa mites, also known as “varroa destructors,” are deadly pests that feed on the hemolymph (blood) of Western honey bee populations. The mites infest honeybee colonies, eating honey bee pupa and spreading diseases.

A newly identified version of the Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) poses a serious threat to the world’s bee population.
Pesticides, drought, habitat degradation caused by construction projects, air pollution, and global warming have all contributed to the bee population’s vulnerability. The varroa mite, a common bee problem, is now posing a new threat to the bee population.

“The Deformed Wing Virus is arguably the biggest threat to honey bees right now,” Dr. Robert Paxton of Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg warns. “Our lab research has shown that the new, highly contagious variant is killing bees faster.”

The DWV virus is responsible for severely damaging a bee’s wing before killing it. A group of scientists from around the world who have been investigating DWV for two decades identified the new variant. Varroa mites, a common honey bee problem, are spreading the new strain.

Researchers at MLU used 3,000 different sets of data to figure out where the new variant was. They found that the new variant has already spread all over Europe and to every continent except Australia.

“Our analysis confirms that the new variant is already the dominating force in Europe. We fear that it’s just a matter of time before it will have forced its way all over the world,” Dr. Paxton says.

Beekeepers are urged by scientists to take simple hygiene precautions in order to protect their hives from invasive pests.

“Basic, general hygiene measures for the hive are paramount for beekeepers when it comes to protecting their colonies from the varroa mite,” explains Dr. Paxton.

They also say that if they find the mites early on, it will help save the hive they are taking care of.

Dr. Paxton continues, “Bees are the most important creature for mankind and the environment.”

Indeed, bees are an important element of the globe, since they are the producers who assist support and cultivate fruits, nuts, and vegetables within 70/100 of the world’s top human food crops, which account for 90 percent of the world’s nutrition.

If bees perish, we starve.

Image Credit: Getty

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