Re: Reduced lifespan in bees:

> We set out to observe the relationship, if any, between virus infections, Varroa mite parasitism and vectoring, honeybee colony health and colony longevity. Our data implicates an alternate non-Varroa vectored DWV effect in asymptomatic worker honeybees, in the form of over-wintering colony loss. It is possible that another pathogen is acting synergistically with DWV within the worker honeybee, triggering rapid proliferation of the virus in over-wintering honeybees. DWV acts solely or synergistically with an agent that as yet has not been identified, to induce death of the colony. This does not occur via the previously described routes of deformed wing abnormalities and overpowering Varroa mite infestations, but rather more likely by a subtle and persistent altering behaviour of key members within the colony.

Deformed wing virus implicated in over-wintering honeybee colony losses,  C. Highfield, et al
Appl. Environ. Microbiol. published online ahead of print on 25 September 2009
Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology and/or the Listed Authors/Institutions. All Rights Reserved

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I have been writing since the very beginning of the whole CCD crisis that any or all bee viruses can cause the symptoms described. Bailey showed years ago that sacbrood virus accumulates in the bees' brains and can cause disorientation and/or premature death. 

He also showed that CO2 could produce a similar effect, pointing to the role environmental chemicals may play. I certainly think that miticides are definitively implicated alongside viruses in the shortened lifespan of honey bee workers and their queens.

Peter Loring Borst
Ithaca, NY  USA

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