This approach is novel and could pan out, or not.  Just like with the 
emerging field of the bee gut microbiome, probiotics, etc. people are 
breaking new ground and taking risks.  Time will tell.  Some of the 
messengers may be out there for some, but let's not kill the messenger.

I see more of a problem with the concept of targeting viruses 
directly to decrease or eliminate the problems caused by varroa.  Many 
of the viruses are latent and somehow kept at apparently 
inconsequential levels in colonies under normal circumstances.  Genetic 
susceptibility to viruses (for chronic bee paralysis and perhaps 
others), feeding by varroa mites, or even puncturing pupae (for DWV), 
promotes replication and "virulence".  It makes more sense to control 
the primary cause of viral problems than the consequences.

 

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