Bee viral paralysis is a dangerous disease with an acute course. It is characterized by damage to the nervous system and leads to mass death of insects. To date, all the pathways of the spread of this disease have not been studied, but the main pathogen is known.
General characteristics of the disease
Bee viral paralysis is an infectious disease caused by about 20 pathogenic microorganisms. It is often distributed in apiaries.
The virus infects nerve tissue, salivary glands and epithelium of the small intestine. Most often, cases of paralysis are recorded in spring or summer, in hot weather.
This disease can occur in acute or chronic form:
- At acute viral paralysis The virus accumulates in bees in nerve tissue, gland cells in the pharynx, as well as in fat deposits. In this case, the whole bee family dies. The peak of infection is observed in the spring. Mostly young individuals suffer, which subsequently become carriers of the virus. Signs of the disease in acute paralysis are observed approximately 10 days after infection. Most infected bees die within a few days.
- Chronic viral paralysis honey plants affects not only working bees, but also pupae and larvae. The disease is characterized by a latent course. Exacerbations occur in winter if elevated temperatures are maintained, or in the spring. In a chronic viral process, the family is significantly weakened. The first bees die 30-40 days after the first contact of the insect with the pathogen.
The reasons
The causative agent of viral paralysis of honey insects is an RNA-containing virus. In most cases, its carrier is the tick of Varroa.
Infection occurs due to the following factors:
- use of work equipment infected with a virus;
- the flight of bees and drones to alien apiaries, on the territory of which the tick of Varroa can be active;
- moving filled honeycombs between bee families;
- the use of feed infected with ticks;
- infection through joint drinking bowls, from which liquid is taken both healthy and sick melliferous.
After contact with a tick, as well as food or water infected with this carrier of the disease, individual bees become carriers of the virus and pose a danger to the whole family.
Risk factors in this case are lack of bee bread, which is a powerful source of protein for bees, as well as hot and arid weather.
Symptoms of Bee Viral Paralysis
For the disease, the following manifestations are characteristic, which appear as the disease develops:
- aggressive behavior of bees, fights between them;
- increased excitement of insects: they make noise, rotate “top”, quickly move;
- weak reaction to external stimuli up to complete apathy and lethargy;
- loss of hive defense ability;
- discoloration of the abdomen: he has an unnatural dark, oily shade;
- shedding of hair from the surface of the bodies;
- trembling wings and the whole body;
- refusal of departure from the hive.
When a family becomes infected with viral paralysis, the beekeeper finds a lot of black bees near the hive without hair. Their bodies shine, their abdomen are reduced in size. Outwardly, such bees resemble ants. Healthy insects push the affected individuals out and are not allowed back.
In some cases, the bees die very quickly, with no external manifestations. Immediate death of honey plants is associated with a violation of mineral, protein and fat metabolism.
If there are signs of viral damage, you must immediately take sick insects to the veterinarian to determine the analysis.
Diagnostic Methods
The diagnosis is determined on the basis of clinical manifestations characteristic of this insect disease, as well as the results of serological and histological analyzes.
The basis for an accurate diagnosis is the identification in the cells of the mucous membrane of the small intestine of special bodies called Morison inclusions.
After the final diagnosis is established, the apiary is designated as dysfunctional and restrictive measures are introduced. Measures are being taken to eliminate the disease. The quarantine mode is entered.
Treatment
When bees are diagnosed with viral paralysis, the following treatment measures are carried out:
- disinfection with a drug that destroys viral microorganisms (Sanapin gives a good result), the hive and all the equipment;
- feeding the insect with fertilizing, consisting of sugar syrup, milk, yeast and tetracycline: the resulting composition is applied to the frame in an amount of 50 g three times a day;
- the use of enzymatic preparations that stimulate the development of bee colonies and act as a means of preventing chronic paralysis, as well as slow down the spread of the virus (Viran, Endoglukin);
- the use of growth stimulants (Polysin, Uni-Vit).
A popular method of treating viral paralysis among honey plants is the use of infusion from the upper part of the yarrow. The finished product is dissolved in sugar syrup and given to insects. The yarrow infusion has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, improves the condition of bees.
The corpses of bees infected with the virus must be destroyed, since the pathogenic microorganism can remain in the bodies for a month even at relatively low temperature indicators (up to +15 degrees).
Features of prevention
To prevent the development of a viral disease, it is recommended:
- provide a full fodder base: insects should regularly receive the necessary amount of proteins and carbohydrates;
- use individual drinkers for each individual family;
- regularly replace old honeycombs with new ones;
- to prevent overheating of insects, if necessary, shading areas should be created above the hives;
- to prevent bee diseases using enzymatic and antiviral drugs;
- take measures to eliminate the tick of Varroa, the carrier of several viruses at once, as well as observe preventive measures to prevent the risk of bee damage;
- regularly disinfect the hive and work equipment.
The beekeeper should always observe the condition of the bees and note the changes in their behavior, appearance.
To prevent the further spread of infection in families, it is necessary to replace the uterus of the affected families with the uterus from the prosperous. Bees are sprayed with pancreatic ribonuclease. Well-worn old frames are replaced with new ones. After pumping honey out of them, the cells melt.
Bee viral paralysis is an infectious process that occurs in acute or chronic form. The disease spreads quickly and can cause the death of the whole family. After carrying out diagnostic measures, the apiary is quarantined and necessary measures are taken to eliminate the virus and prevent the further spread of the disease.