DNA Tests Revolutionize Honeybee Disease Monitoring

DNA testing has emerged as a game-changer in the monitoring of honeybee diseases, debunking conventional wisdom about disease prevalence among hobbyists versus commercial beekeepers. Zack Bateson, research manager at the National Agricultural Genotyping Center, shares insights from his two-year study.

Zack Bateson, research manager at the National Agricultural Genotyping Center, conducted a comprehensive study on monitoring viruses, parasites, and other pathogens in honeybees. His findings challenge the assumption that bees kept by hobbyists are more prone to disease.

According to Bateson, there was no significant difference in disease levels between bees cared for by hobbyists and those from commercial apiaries. This contradicts the common belief that hobbyist-managed hives harbor more diseases.

In his research, Bateson also compared DNA analysis of bees and honey from the same hives to find a non-invasive method for disease monitoring. However, he discovered that honey may not accurately reflect the pathogens present in adult bees.

While some viruses were detected in adult bees but not in honey, Bateson recommends testing adult bees for a more accurate assessment of pathogen diversity in colonies.

The National Agricultural Genotyping Center offers DNA testing for 21 pathogens in honeybees, providing valuable insights into disease prevalence and pathogen levels. Although the cost of DNA testing limits its widespread use for monitoring, it remains a crucial tool for in-depth analysis.

Additionally, the center has developed a new DNA test to monitor for the tropilaelaps mite, a potential threat to U.S. honeybees. This mite, smaller and faster-moving than the varroa mite, poses significant risks to honeybee populations.

Bateson emphasizes the importance of having diagnostic tests in place before a problem arises, as scrambling to develop a test in an emergency can waste valuable time. While the tropilaelaps mite has not been found in the U.S. yet, the center is actively monitoring for it.

Conclusion:
DNA testing has revolutionized the monitoring of honeybee diseases, providing valuable insights into disease prevalence and enabling proactive measures to protect honeybee populations. With ongoing research and monitoring efforts, beekeepers can better understand and address emerging threats to honeybee health.

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