ACUTE BEE
PARALYSIS

 

 

Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) is a viral infection that affects adult honeybees during the winter and spring, when colonies are stressed due to limited food availability and environmental factors. It is one of the most common and damaging viruses that affect bee colonies worldwide and can cause significant losses in bee colonies. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected bees or contaminated equipment, such as tools or frames. It is caused by a single-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus from the family Iflaviridae. ABPV is transmitted by the varroa mite, through feeding on the haemolymph (bee blood) of the bee. It can also be transmitted through the feeding of contaminated royal jelly to larvae.

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Symptoms: The primary symptom of acute bee paralysis virus is the sudden paralysis of adult bees. Bees may also exhibit trembling or shaking, and their wings may appear to be stuck to their bodies. The virus can also cause a reduction in bee populations and may weaken colonies, making them more susceptible to other diseases. Other symptoms are shaking or trembling bees, bees become disoriented, which may cause them to fly aimlessly in the hive or outside, bees may lose patches of hair, which can make them appear shiny and bald, bees may have difficulty walking and may appear to be "paralyzed" and reduced brood rearing where the queen's ability to lay eggs is reduced thus leading to a decline in the colony population.

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Treatments: There is no known cure for acute bee paralysis virus, but there are treatments (Fumagilin-B) that can help manage the disease. One option is to maintain good hygiene practices, such as regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and avoiding the sharing of equipment between colonies. This can help reduce the risk of contamination and slow the spread of the virus. One treatment method involves the use of antiviral drugs, which can help to slow the progression of the disease. These drugs are administered through sugar syrup, which is placed in the hive. Another option is to provide proper nutrition to the bees, as a healthy diet can help boost the immune system and increase the colony's ability to fight off infections. Beekeepers can provide pollen supplements or sugar syrup to ensure that their bees are receiving the necessary nutrients.

 

Prevention Measures: Preventing acute bee paralysis virus is the best strategy to avoid the disease. Here are some prevention measures beekeepers can take:

 

Hygiene: Keeping hives clean and free from debris can help prevent the spread of viruses. Beekeepers should also avoid sharing equipment between colonies to reduce the risk of contamination. Dispose of dead bees and any comb that shows signs of disease.

 

Nutrition: Providing bees with a healthy diet can help strengthen their immune systems and reduce their susceptibility to infection.

 

Colony Management: Proper colony management practices, such as reducing overcrowding and avoiding the use of pesticides, can help keep colonies healthy and prevent the spread of diseases like ABPV.

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Monitoring: Regularly monitoring colonies for signs of infection can help catch the disease early and prevent its spread. Beekeepers should be familiar with the symptoms of ABPV and be vigilant for signs of paralysis or trembling in their bees.

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Control mites: Varroa mites are known to spread ABVP, so controlling their population can help reduce the risk of the disease.

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Replacing the queen: Another approach is to replace the queen of an infected colony with a new queen. This can help to strengthen the colony and reduce the spread of the virus.

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In conclusion, acute bee paralysis virus is a serious disease that can have devastating effects on honeybee colonies. However, with proper hygiene practices, nutrition, colony management, and monitoring, beekeepers can help prevent the spread of the virus and protect their colonies. Beekeepers should also be vigilant for signs of infection and seek professional advice if they suspect their colonies may be affected.