Is a Virus and Bacteria Combo Causing Bee Colony Collapse?

AI Thread Summary
Recent discussions highlight a potential cause of honey bee colony collapse, suggesting a "one-two punch" effect where an initial weakening of bees by one pathogen allows a second pathogen to take over and lead to death. Dr. Jeff Pettis has noted this theory, and a scientist from the University of Montana claims to have confirmed it by isolating a virus and bacteria in affected hives. This discovery, made at the Army's Edgewood Arsenal, supports the idea that the interaction between these two pathogens may be responsible for the decline in bee populations. There is optimism in the community for further verification of the virus-bacteria link to better understand and address this issue.
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...We think it may be something like a one-two punch, where something initially weakens the bee initially and a second pathogen takes over and actually kills the bee," said Dr. Jeff Pettis.

Now another scientist at the University of Montana thinks he's confirmed that theory. He says a virus has been isolated in affected hives, along with a bacteria. He believes the two acting together causes colonies to collapse.

The virus and bacteria were isolated at the Army's Edgewood Arsenal's Chemical Biological Center in Harford County...
http://wjz.com/local/honey.bees.2.1953775.html
 
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Thats great news, thanks for posting it. I hope they verify the virus/bacteria link soon.
 

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