Abstract:
The European honeybee (Apis mellifera) has a long history in the United States as a source of honey, beeswax and other products. In the last couple centuries the honeybee has become a key pollinator in world agriculture with an estimated 80% of the crops we produce relying on them for pollination. In 2006 a mysterious syndrome termed Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was first reported. CCD is characterized by the abandonment of the hive by all workers leaving behind healthy brood, food and the queen and the absence of dead bees within or around the hive. Many possible causes have been proposed through efforts to explain the disappearances. Some of these suspects include viruses, pesticides and parasites as well as longstanding pests such as Varroa destructor, tracheal mites, Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis. While previous studies have not revealed any direct correlations between these possible causes and the occurrence of CCD, they are detrimental to hive health on their own and could have more acute effects synergistically. This study focused on determining the presence or absence of three threats to honeybee health: the parasitic Phorid fly Apocephalis borealis, Deformed Wing Virus and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus. Other potential causes are examined and discussed. There was no observed presence of A. borealis in Alfred hives. The presence of Deformed Wing Virus and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus is still being determined. The results of this study will serve to evaluate honeybee hive health in Alfred, NY.
