Scientists Identify Honeybee die-off Possibly Caused by Virus and Parasite
A team of scientists from Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) and University of California San Francisco have identified both a virus and a parasite that are likely behind the recent sudden die-off of honeybee colonies known as colony collapse disorder (CCD). The ECBC announcement did not provide details on the viral and/or parasitic pathogens.
Using a new technology called the integrated virus detection system, which was designed for military use to rapidly screen samples for pathogens, ECBC scientists last week isolated the presence of the viral and parasitic pathogens, and confirmation testing was conducted over the weekend by scientists at the University of California San Francisco. ECBC scientists then presented the results yesterday to a U.S. Department of Agriculture CCD working group, which was "hastily convened" to determine future steps.
For the past year, experts have observed a marked decline in the honeybee population, with entire colonies collapsing without warning. Approximately 50% of hives have disappeared and researchers around the country are scrambling to find out why. ECBC is one of many academic, commercial and government concerns studying the honeybee population decline. ECBC's role will be to identify the extent of the problem and conduct ongoing detection activities.
As with every state, bees are an important pollinator to Arizona agriculture. In order to bear fruit, three-quarters of all flowering plants including most food crops and some that provide fiber, drugs and fuel rely on bees for pollination.
