> Recent reports of HB colonies surviving Varroa mite infestation without treatment present a possible way to understand Varroa and HB biology and co-evolution, but this information needs to be considered carefully as Varroa-resistant HBs MAY NOT EXHIBIT THE SAME RESISTANCE IF MOVED TO OTHER AREAS. For example the number of mites may increase when moving bees from one foraging crop to another one, disrupting the equilibrium between the parasite and the host in a way that it unfavorable to the bees. 

> Also, bees that survive mite infestation may not have characteristics suitable for beekeeping such as honey production or they may be overly aggressive. Moreover, the apparent lack of resistance of bees in many areas is not just a lack of co-evolution, but may be due to the management practice of KEEPING LARGE NUMBERS OF COLONIES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY WHERE MITES CAN SPREAD even after they kill a colony. The practice of keeping colonies in high-density apiaries makes it easier for Varroa transmitted viruses to spread. 

"Varroa mites and honey bee health: can Varroa explain part of the colony losses?"
Yves Le Conte, Marion Ellis, Wolfgang Ritter

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