The Hawaii study of DWV was undertaken as the varroa was new to Hawaii. The study was not intended to prove that DWV was spread by varroa, but to determine if, and what strains, of DWV may 
have been present before varroa. Since Hawaii is isolated (to a degree) and the importation of bees is prohibited (although it is apparent that not all follow the law), it makes an ideal laboratory. The 
study sampled bees from Oahu (my hives included) and the Big Island, which had varroa, as well as other islands where varroa is not present.

The study indicated that many strains were present in Hawaii before varroa, however the number of strains dropped significantly once varroa became established. 

I had observed bees with deformed wings on Oahu in 2004, then nothing until 2007 when varroa was identified. To me, the indication that DWV was present before varroa was facinating.

Howard in Hawaii

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