Dick said:
If the real problem is viruses it seems to me it is not in varroas best interest to vector viruses.
True, but once the bee's cuticle has been compromised (leaving a hole) a virus can potentially enter even if the mite isn't involved. So I don't think viruses are obligate parasites in that sense...they can directly infect bees as well as indirectly, through the mites.
Christina
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