Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV)
Krankheiten
The Acute Bee Paralysis Virus, ABPV for short, belongs to a group of closely related viruses that are present latently in many colonies.
The Acute Bee Paralysis Virus, ABPV for short, belongs to a group of closely related viruses that are present latently in many colonies. On its own, the virus usually causes little damage. It becomes dangerous in combination with the Varroa mite, which transmits the virus directly into larvae, pupae, and adult bees and in which it additionally multiplies.
In an acute course, larvae and pupae die in the cells. The dead larvae decompose into a slimy mass that, unlike American Foulbrood, does not form threads, and dry into a loose scale that is easy to remove. The brood pattern looks holey and irregular. In adult bees, disorientation appears first, followed by trembling of legs and wings, an unnatural wing posture, and paralysis symptoms up to death.
Studies of colonies that did not survive the winter show a clear connection: these colonies already had a higher and more frequent ABPV burden in autumn than colonies that overwintered successfully. A high viral load in autumn is therefore an important warning sign of winter losses. The sudden disappearance of bees in late summer and autumn, with remaining food stores, is typical.
There is no direct treatment against the virus. The only effective approach is to lower the mite pressure in good time and effectively, so that the chain of transmission is interrupted. This includes infestation checks throughout the year, a summer treatment right after the last harvest, and the final mite treatment in the broodless colony. Combs from collapsed colonies should not simply be reused but melted down, and the hives cleaned.
Uniting weakened or collapsing colonies with healthy ones, or leaving them unattended to robbing, should be avoided, as this spreads mites and viruses across the whole apiary. There is no reporting requirement. In cases of an unclear brood pattern, distinguishing it from the forms of foulbrood is important; when in doubt, a certified bee inspector should be consulted.