Researchers have identified a virus originating from Australia that may be contributing to Colony Collapse disorder. The pathogen in question is Israel acute paralysis virus (IAPV). It has been found in almost all collapsed colonies, but in almost none of the healthy ones. The pathogen has been found in Australia and many US beekeepers imported colonies from Australia in 2005. While the study is only an initial assessment, the researchers have shown a high mortality rate in bees infected when subject to stress. In the US, bees are often put under great stress in terms of frequent traveling and poor nutrition (high fructose corn syrup). If IAPV is the cause of CCD, there is hope. 20% of bees in Israel have show resistance to the virus.

There are a few skeptics: CCD isn’t a big problem in Canada and they have been importing Australian bees for years. Many scientists even believe this a natural bee decline, especially since most of the data is simply anecdotal from US beekeepers.

Takeaway
I don’t totally buy this. The sample size isn’t yet large enough to make the leap. I do believe CCD is a multiple cause issue, IAPV could be a contributing cause. The paper does show how biodiversity bees is key to long term survival. You hear that beekeepers? B-I-O-D-I-V-E-R-S-I-T-Y. Maintaining one species of bee on one limited diet creates a susceptible bee.

More Info:
Science Mag abstract
Science Friday podcast on the virus