Schematic diagram adapted from N.G. Wrigley 1969 (J. Gen. Virol. 5:123-134)

Schematic diagram adapted from N.G. Wrigley 1969 (J. Gen. Virol. 5:123-134)

A paper appeared this week in the peer-review research publishing site Public Library of Science or PLoS that could be the best, first explanation of the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD. It’s title is Iridovirus and Microsporidian Linked to Honey Bee Colony Decline. Congratulations to Jerry J. Bromenshenk of the University of Montana and his diverse research team. This paper is good news on several counts:

  • It is an important paper and it is published on a site that gives you and I and researchers around the world immediate access for free. PLoS – like beehacker.com – is a Creative Commons site. That means that you can read or share the content without paying $35 for access and without the risk of a swarm of angry lawyers threatening suits.
  • The paper describes a unique collaboration between crusty beekeepers and super secretive Army biological warfare researchers. Just goes to show what people can accomplish when they work together. Maybe they will start a trend and our rabid Liberals and Conservatives will learn to work together.
  • The paper shines a light on a unique DNA (not RNA) virus: an insect iridescent virus or IIV. Click here to learn more about these viruses. The virus itself can assume the shape of an icosohedron.

Some things don’t change: other than controlling Nosema using the antibiotic fumagillan, there isn’t much that can be done to prevent CCD. And, according to a survey performed by The Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) and USDA-ARS Beltsville Honey Bee Lab, only 15% of all the colonies lost during the 2008/2009 winter died with symptoms of CCD. Losses from other causes remain a significant concern. So the work of beekeepers is hardly done.

And it is not the last word on CCD, either. Dennis vanEnglesdorp of the Pennsylvania University’s Department of Entomology refutes the claim that a virus and fungus are the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Click here to see article at Accuweather.com.

The paper can be viewed online at http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0013181.