Accurate and cost-effective rapid detection of viruses, including variant or engineered strains, requires novel approaches. It is essential that beekeepers have access to technology for monitoring colony health, giving them an early warning of emerging outbreaks. BVS, Inc. has made these capabilities available to beekeepers nationwide thanks to direct funding from the beekeepers themselves. Honey bees are essential to securing the global food supply due to their role as pollinators of critical agricultural products1. According to the EPA, pollination is a critical part of more than half of the 29 billion dollar per year U.S. agriculture industry2. Pollinators today are under an unprecedented amount of stress, ranging from pesticides and loss of habitat to changing environments. Additionally, honey bees are plagued by a multitude of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, mites, small hive beetles and viruses3. Disease prevention and control plays a huge role in the success of our agricultural industry and most of that burden is shouldered by the beekeepers.
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