The term "Varroa Mite Syndrome" is more specific to the parasite involved, but non-beekeepers would also understand "Parasitic" as negative, so either term works as long as we are consistent. PMS (or VMS) is useful in covering the full scope of damage to the colony from varroa where CCD was less specific as to cause or prevention. Varroosis works too, but doesn't lend itself to a catchy acronym.
"Dispersal phase" over "phoretic phase" is also descriptive and will hopefully be easier for new beekeepers to understand (and maybe prevent in their colonies?).
Debbie in Maryland
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