>  My current assessment is that varroa is most
likely only a mechanical vector, rather than a host for the virus.

Even though the quoted paper clearly states that DWV is able to replicate in varroa?

Is there any truth in the theory that much of the problem is that varroa effectively injects the virus into the haemolymph of the larvae whereas they would not normally encounter it in this way.  I am thinking that there are things that we could eat with few ill effects, but injecting the same substances into our bloodstream would be an entirely different matter.

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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