Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The prevention of dysentery, like so many other problems, is basically down to good
beekeeping practice.
Virus paralysis disease
Two different viruses - chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) and acute bee paralysis
virus (ABPV) - have been isolated from paralytic bees. In Europe and North America,
ABPV has been shown to kill adult bees and bee larvae in colonies infested with the
mite,
Varroa destructor
(see below). This mite damages bee tissues and, in so doing,
probably acts as a vector, releasing viral particles into the haemolymph. The biology of
bee viral diseases, their relationship with mites and their effects on bees are the subject
of many investigations in university departments and government bee laboratories
around the world, especially in the light of new developments in such bee diseases such
as parasitic mite syndrome and colony collapse disorder (see below).
Identifying virus paralysis disease
Virus paralysis disease can be identified as follows:
The bees will be crawling around the hive's alighting board or entrance in a semi-
moribund or moribund state, often in large numbers. These bees will not react if
you prod them.
These bees are usually unable to fly.
They often appear blacker in colour than other bees and shiny as they become
hairless.
A close examination will often show that these bees have extended abdomens.
The bees are often refused entry to the hive. This situation looks remarkably
like pesticide poisoning when bees are refused entry and die outside the hive in
large numbers. Don't confuse the two. This situation can also be symptomatic of
starvation, so this is yet another confusing signal.
Acarine (tracheal mite)
When assessing its effects on bees, the mite,
Acarapis woodii
, has caused much
controversy. This mite inhabits the prothoracic trachea of the honey-bee - the thoracic
