Bret Adee, a prominent US beekeeper, experienced a devastating loss of 75% of his 2 billion bees due to cold weather and diseases carried by varroa mites. The beekeeping industry suffered enormously, with an average of 60% colony loss at a cost of $600 million. Research from the USDA indicates that most affected colonies contracted a virus from these parasitic mites, which have developed resistance to commonly used insecticides. The implications of this crisis extend beyond honeybees, posing risks to wild bee populations and biodiversity.
Bret Adee, one of the largest beekeepers in the US, reported losing 75% of his bees due to a combination of cold weather and disease spread by varroa mites.
A research paper from the USDA indicated that nearly all bee colonies had contracted a virus linked to parasitic mites that have developed resistance to chemical controls.
Beekeepers in the U.S. faced unprecedented losses, with an average of 60% of colonies destroyed, resulting in an economic impact estimated at $600 million.
Varroa mites, when present with infections, can swiftly spread diseases among bee populations, significantly affecting honeybee colonies and potentially wild bee populations.
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