Are hives contagious

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Are Hives Contagious?

Understanding Hive Contagion in Bees

Pathogen Transmission via Hive Products

Research has shown that hive products such as honey, pollen, and wax can act as vehicles for virus transmission among bees. A study investigating the transmission capacity of Deformed Wing Virus genotype A (DWV-A) found that higher concentrations of the virus in hive products led to increased mortality in bees. Specifically, high concentrations of DWV-A always resulted in infections, while medium and low concentrations led to infections in 47% and 20% of cases, respectively . This indicates that hive products can indeed facilitate the spread of viruses within bee populations.

Contact Networks and Pathogen Spread

The structure of contact networks within bee colonies plays a significant role in the transmission of pathogens. In bumble bee colonies, the spread of the intestinal pathogen Crithidia bombi was found to be influenced by the density of contact networks. Bees with higher rates of contact with infected nestmates had a greater risk of infection, highlighting the importance of social interactions in disease spread . This suggests that the social structure within hives can significantly impact the contagion dynamics of pathogens.

American Foulbrood: A Highly Contagious Disease

American Foulbrood (AFB) is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae, which affects honey bee larvae. The disease is so virulent that once clinical symptoms appear, the only effective control measure is often the destruction of the infected hive and its equipment . Early detection and appropriate sanitary measures are crucial to prevent the spread of AFB. Studies have shown that various hive matrices, such as brood comb honey and adult bees, are effective for early detection of P. larvae spores, which can help in managing the disease before it becomes widespread 45.

Bumblebees and Virus Transmission in Agriculture

Bumblebee hives can also act as vectors for plant viruses. For instance, the bumblebee Bombus terrestris has been shown to carry the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) from infected greenhouses to healthy tomato plants, thereby contributing to the spread of the disease. This mode of transmission underscores the role of pollinators in the spread of plant pathogens and the need for stringent disease management protocols in agricultural settings .

Conclusion

Hives can indeed be contagious environments for bees, with various pathogens being transmitted through hive products, social interactions, and even through the activities of pollinators. Effective management and early detection are essential to control the spread of diseases within and between hives, ensuring the health and sustainability of bee populations.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Honey Bee Virus Transmission via Hive Products

DWV-A transmission via honey bee hive products is feasible, and trade regulations should consider the risk of introducing novel viruses and strains by including virus analyses for health certificates.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous Journal

2020·

26citations

·Dominik Schittny et al.

Contact networks and transmission of an intestinal pathogen in bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) colonies

Contact network structure significantly influences the spread of a contagious pathogen in bumble bee colonies, with a bee's rate of contact with infected nestmates being the only significant predictor of infection risk.

Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2007·

185citations

·M. Otterstatter et al.

The oral vaccination with Paenibacillus larvae bacterin can decrease susceptibility to American Foulbrood infection in honey bees—A safety and efficacy study

Oral vaccination with Paenibacillus larvae bacterin can decrease susceptibility to American Foulbrood infection in honey bees, enhancing colony health and protecting commercial pollinators from deadly diseases.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

2022·

23citations

·Franziska Dickel et al.

A Comparison of Different Matrices for the Laboratory Diagnosis of the Epizootic American Foulbrood of Honey Bees

Brood comb honey and adult bees are equally well-suited for early detection of American Foulbrood spores, while hive debris samples should be used only when it is not possible to collect honey or adult bee samples from brood combs.

2023·

5citations

·Julia Ebeling et al.

Powdered Sugar Examination as a Tool for the Assessment of Paenibacillus larvae Infection Levels in Honey Bee Colonies

Powdered sugar examination is an effective, non-destructive tool for assessing Paenibacillus larvae infections in honey bee colonies, aiding in effective control of American Foulbrood.

Observational Study

2022·

3citations

·S. Bassi et al.

The bumblebee Bombus terrestris carries a primary inoculum of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus contributing to disease spread in tomatoes

Bumblebee hives from tomato brown rugose fruit virus-contaminated greenhouses carry a primary inoculum, contributing to disease spread in tomatoes, highlighting the need for reevaluation of disease management protocols.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2019·

87citations

·N. Levitzky et al.

Spread of Infectious Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus by Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Feces

Infectious chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) can spread through honeybee feces, infecting naive bees and provoking overt disease by confinement in a soiled environment.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

2007·

57citations

·M. Ribière et al.

Widespread occurrence of honey bee pathogens in solitary bees.

Solitary bees are widespread carriers of honey bee pathogens, suggesting they may serve as a source of pathogens for other pollinators and a reservoir for these pathogens.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2014·

199citations

·J. Ravoet et al.

An integrated management strategy to prevent outbreaks and eliminate infection pressure of American foulbrood disease in a commercial beekeeping operation.

Early detection of subclinical spores and quarantine management effectively reduces the incidence of American Foulbrood disease and transmission risk in commercial beekeeping operations.

Observational Study

2019·

42citations

·B. Locke et al.

Probiotics and in-hive fermentation as a source of beneficial microbes to support the gut microbial health of honey bees

Beneficial microbes, such as probiotics and fermented foods, show potential in improving disease resistance in honey bees, but more controlled field trials are needed for validation.

Literature Review

2023·

5citations

·María A. Rodríguez et al.

Try another search

drug id

how long have global temperatures been recorded

side affects

three sources of co2

atmosphere effects

space and tech