Viruses are pieces of genetic material that parasitize a host cell, making the cell produce more viruses. No vaccines or medications are available for any of the honey bee viruses. Therefore, good sanitation practices are the key to prevention. Comb replacement and requeening are the best practical responses to a virus infection.

photo credit: Brenda V. Ball

Chronic bee paralysis is the only viral disease of adult bees that has a clearly defined symptom: an abnormal trembling motion of the wings and body. Other symptoms are the bees' inability to fly which forces them to crawl on the ground and up the stems of grass in front of the hive. The abdomens will be bloated and the wings will be partially spread or dislocated. Bees afflicted with the virus will appear shiny and greasy because of the lack of hair which should not be confused with robbing bees. Also, adult bees are chewed by other bees and harassed by guard bees at the entrance to the hive (again may be confused with signs of robbing). Adult bees die within a few days of the onset of symptoms. The virus is spread from bee to bee by unusually prolonged bodily contact or rubbing which causes many hairs or bristles to break exposing live tissue. Bees do not transmit sufficient virus to cause paralysis by food exchange because many millions of virus particles are required to cause paralysis when given to a bee in food. Bees vary genetically in susceptibility; therefore requeening is a good practice if symptoms appear.

Honey Bee Disorders / UGA Honey Bee Program / UGA Entomology Department