Good bee management practice is fundamental for enhancing honey
bees' natural immunity, which is the most useful tool in combating viral
diseases. Stressful circumstances can favor outbreaks of viral diseases,
thus any efforts that strengthen the colony health are expected to reduce
the risk of virus infections. Since the varroa mite has been proven to be an
effective vector in transmitting and activating viruses, timely and efficient
control of the varroa mite population will reduce the incidence of viral
diseases. A mathematical model proposed by Sumpter and Martin (2004)
predicts that virus-associated winter collapses can be avoided if bee
colonies are treated with varroacides in the summer to decrease the
ABPV and DWV loads below a critical level. In addition to controlling
the vector population, effective management of bee viral diseases can
be achieved by maintaining good sanitation practices, feeding bees with
the proper quantity and quality of food, and replacing combs and queens
when the problem is serious.

Honey Bee Viruses
Yan Ping Chen and Reinhold Siede

-- 
Peter L. Borst
Danby, NY USA
42.35, -76.50
http://picasaweb.google.com/peterlborst

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