Penn State Researchers Identify Less Virulent Strain of Deadly Bee Virus in U.S. Forest
In a promising revelation for honey bees, Penn State researchers have reported that the deadly deformed wing virus (DWV) may have evolved to be less lethal in at least one U.S. forest during this year's cold and flu season. Published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the study compared DWV rates and severity in wild honey bees from a forest near Ithaca, New York, to those in managed apiaries in New York and Pennsylvania.
While infection rates were similar across all groups, the researchers identified a virus genotype in the wild honey bee population leading to milder infections compared to the variant found in managed apiaries. This discovery raises the possibility of less virulent strains of DWV circulating among honey bee populations.
Allyson Ray, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at Vanderbilt University, highlighted the potential implications of the findings for bee care. Understanding how different virus genotypes result in varying infection severities could aid scientists and beekeepers in monitoring and caring for bee colonies effectively.
Christina Grozinger, co-author and Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology, emphasized the opportunity the study provided to examine virus dynamics in different types of bee colonies. While most research focuses on how bees respond to viruses, this study explored how viruses might evolve to be less damaging to hosts, especially in areas where their spread is slower.
DWV is a significant threat to honey bees, often transmitted by the Varroa destructor mite. The virus causes deformities in bees, leading to adverse effects on colonies, and is most harmful when infecting bee pupae.
The study analyzed honey bee populations in the Arnot Forest outside Ithaca, known for its resilient bee colonies. The researchers hypothesized that the virus might have evolved to be less virulent, contributing to better outcomes for the bees despite mite infestations.
Future studies are expected to delve deeper into understanding the selection pressure driving the virus's evolution within the Arnot Forest.
The research, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Science Foundation, sheds light on potential strategies for managing DWV and enhancing bee health. Allyson Ray received a USDA Predoctoral Fellowship, and the study was further supported by the 2023 Penn State Alumni Association Dissertation Award.
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