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Viruses that affect Argentinian honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Marcos D Salina1,2, María L Genchi Garcia3,4, Bárbara Bais3,4
1Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina. marcosdsalina@gmail.com.
Archives of Virology
|March 8, 2021
Summary
Argentine beekeeping faces significant hive loss, with Varroa mites and viruses like Deformed Wing Virus being major threats. Understanding virus transmission is key to developing control strategies for bee health.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Veterinary Entomology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Beekeeping is a significant agricultural activity in Argentina, with over 3 million hives, primarily in Buenos Aires Province.
- Worrying rates of honey bee colony losses are a global concern, with Latin America experiencing losses between 13% and 53%.
- Argentina reported substantial annual hive losses of 34% between October 2016 and October 2017.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of significant honey bee colony losses in Argentina.
- To identify key stressors, particularly ectoparasitic mites and viral infections, affecting Apis mellifera health.
- To explore the role of alternative insect hosts in the dissemination of bee viruses.
Main Methods:
- Review of global and regional data on honey bee colony losses.
- Identification and characterization of known honey bee viruses in Argentina.
- Analysis of potential virus transmission pathways, including mite vectors and alternative insect hosts.
Main Results:
- Varroa destructor infestation combined with viral infections is a primary suspected cause of colony losses.
- Ten honey bee viruses have been detected in Argentina, including mite-transmissible viruses like Deformed Wing Virus (DWV).
- Bee viruses have been found in various insect species, suggesting they may act as natural reservoirs and dispersal agents.
Conclusions:
- Multiple stressors likely contribute to high hive loss rates in Argentina.
- Effective control strategies require a comprehensive understanding of virus transmission dynamics, including mite vectors and alternative hosts.
- Further research into virus spread mechanisms is crucial for protecting Argentine apiculture and bee health.
