USDA-ARS has released critical findings from the pathogen analysis of samples collected during this spring’s colony losses—and the results are sounding alarms.
🔬 Viruses vectored by Varroa mites were a major factor, and every mite tested carried genes associated with resistance to Amitraz, one of the most commonly used Varroa treatments. This underscores a growing concern within the beekeeping and research communities: the declining efficacy of one of the most widely used Varroa treatments. Thanks to the hard work and urgency of the researchers involved, these results were collected, analyzed, and written up for publication quickly—despite other USDA delays, providing critical information that will help shape how we respond to this ongoing challenge.
👉 Here’s everything you need to stay informed:
· 📰 Honey Bee Health Coalition Press Release: https://lavender-violet-7s4a.squarespace.com/s/06_03_2025-Colony-Loss-Research-Results-Final.pdf
· 📘 Scientific Paper (Preprint): https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706v1
· 🌐 PAm Roundup & Resources Page: https://www.projectapism.org/colony-loss-information
Project Apis m. is closely tracking this situation and supporting the industry’s response.
This challenge highlights exactly why we created the Bee Health Collective—to make credible, science-based information more accessible to a wider audience of beekeepers, growers, researchers, and policy makers.
In response to emerging issues like Amitraz resistance, and deadly viruses, the Bee Health Collective has launched the Emerging Threats Fund—a new resource designed to provide rapid, targeted support when urgent honey bee health concerns arise.
🐝 Learn more and explore these tools at https://beehealthcollective.org/resources/etf