Wild bees at risk from commercial bee diseases

摘要

Wild honeybees could be vulnerable to diseases carried by commercially bred bees, according to a study from the University of Exeter published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. Bees bred in captivity can suffer from parasites and carry more than 20 viruses, including one that can deform wings. Some of those viruses have been found in wild honeybees, and the Exeter researchers now believe that the viruses can jump from commercial insects to bees in the wild. Lena Wilfert, the study's lead researcher, said her findings call for increased monitoring of commercial bees to ensure that they do not infect wild ones.