"Honey bee pollination is estimated to contribute over $14 billion annually to agricultural production. Honey bee pollination services in the larger ecosystem are also of vital importance. However, apiculture in the United States is threatened, especially by infestations of exotic parasitic mites.… More

Honey bee populations, especially managed honey bees, have been adversely affected by Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), Varroa destructor mite infestations and viral pathogens. A variety of viral pathogens have been identified as potential factors contributing to CCD, and viral pathogens are vectored… More