IAPV, first described in Israel in 2002, came to national and
international attention in September when university and ARS
scientists showed a strong association between the presence of IAPV
and CCD.
ARS has begun several experiments to determine what factors may be
most involved in CCD. Combinations of four areas are being examined:
pathogens, parasites, environmental stresses, and bee management
stresses such as poor nutrition.
CCD became a matter of concern in the winter of 2006-2007 when some
beekeepers began reporting losses of 30 to 90 percent of their hives.
While colony losses are not unexpected during winter weather, the
magnitude and rapidity of loss suffered by some beekeepers was highly
unusual.
Pollination is a critical element in agriculture, since honey bees
pollinate more than 130 crops in the United States and add $15
billion in crop value annually.
There were enough honey bees to provide pollination for U.S.
agriculture this year, but beekeepers could face a serious problem
next year and beyond if CCD becomes more widespread and no treatment
is developed.
Poor nutrition is the one area that could be adressed to effect a
cure. Meaning there has to be more then one source of food , a
solution would be that in the orchard or field the grower would have
to plant rows of wild flowers so the bees would have a source of food
other then the growers cash crop.