Glossary
A viral disease of honey bees caused by the Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) that manifests in two distinct forms: trembling, flightless bees with distended abdomens, or black, hairless, shiny bees that are often rejected from the hive by guards. CBPV can cause significant colony losses during outbreaks.
CBPV presents in two recognized syndromes. In Type 1, affected bees tremble and vibrate abnormally, unable to fly. They often have bloated abdomens due to distended honey stomachs and may crawl on the ground in front of the hive. In Type 2, affected bees become dark, hairless, and shiny, developing a greasy, almost polished appearance. These hairless bees are often attacked by guard bees at the entrance because they appear foreign.
The two syndromes can occur simultaneously within the same colony and are believed to be different manifestations of the same virus. Diagnosis in the field is based on these characteristic symptoms, though laboratory PCR testing can provide definitive confirmation.
There is no treatment for CBPV. Management focuses on reducing transmission risk and supporting colony recovery. The virus spreads through physical contact between bees and through contaminated surfaces within the hive. Overcrowded colonies with high bee-to-bee contact are at greater risk.
Prevention strategies include maintaining adequate hive space to reduce crowding, requeening colonies that show CBPV symptoms (as some queen lines appear more susceptible), ensuring good nutrition, and managing varroa mites aggressively since mite-vectored viruses can compound CBPV impacts. Most colonies recover naturally from CBPV outbreaks if they have adequate population and nutrition.
CBPV occurs worldwide but has been increasing in prevalence in recent years, possibly due to changes in beekeeping density, transportation stress, and interactions with varroa mites. It is more commonly reported in larger, denser apiaries.
Yes, in severe cases. Large-scale CBPV outbreaks can kill thousands of bees and weaken a colony to the point of collapse. However, many colonies recover naturally from moderate infections, especially when the queen is healthy and the population can regenerate.
While varroa mites are not the primary vector for CBPV, high mite loads weaken bee immune systems and can make colonies more susceptible to all viral diseases, including CBPV. Managing varroa effectively is an important component of overall disease prevention.
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