Arkansas Bee Virus

Arkansas bee virus (ABV) is a little-known virus described in the 1970s from honey bee samples in the USA. Under natural conditions no distinct disease picture that the beekeeper could see in the hive has been described. It can only be diagnosed in the laboratory and requires no separate control; if your colony is weakening, the cause most probably lies elsewhere.

What is it?

Arkansas bee virus takes its name from the US state of Arkansas, where the samples in which it was first described came from. It is one of several "new" bee viruses described by British bee virus researchers in the 1970s. It was later also detected in samples taken from other regions.

Information about it is limited. Separating what is known from what is not protects the beekeeper from unnecessary worry.

What is known and what is not

Statements that this virus "destroys the immunity of young bees", "reduces pollination" or "spoils honey quality" are not based on scientific findings.

Practical meaning for the beekeeper

If you see weakening, dead bees or signs of disease in your colony, do not look into Arkansas bee virus, but into the common, recognisable causes:

Laboratory

Arkansas bee virus is generally not tested for in routine bee disease diagnostics, but it can be detected in molecular studies for research purposes. If you are experiencing unexplained losses, contact the official veterinary service / local agriculture authority; ask them how the sample should be taken and stored (usually chilled or frozen).

What to do

There is no measure specific to this virus. The general rules that work against most bee viruses apply here too:

1. Keep varroa low. Varroa speeds up the multiplication and spread of most bee viruses. Count regularly and treat with an authorised medicine when the threshold is exceeded.
2. Keep colonies strong. Sufficient honey and pollen, a young, well-laying queen, suitable hive volume.
3. Reduce robbing and drifting. Reduce the entrances of weak colonies.
4. Pay attention to hygiene. Do not give combs and honey frames from collapsed colonies to other hives; replace old, darkened brood combs regularly.

There is no medicine against the virus; antibiotics do not work and leave residues in honey.