USDA Links Catastrophic Honeybee Losses to High Viral Loads, Mite Resistance

While viruses and Varroa were confirmed as primary contributors, research also pointed to other stressors including pesticide exposure, poor nutrition and environmental conditions that may have exacerbated the losses. “With estimated bee colony losses at 62% of all the hives in the country, beekeepers are working to meet their pollination services contracts for the fruits and vegetables that we all rely on. An impact to food prices is a distinct possibility.”  Read more here.