Melting glaciers are creating a new challenge for bees, as changing plant life increases the…

Melting glaciers are creating a new challenge for bees, as changing plant life increases the likelihood of disease transmission among wild and honeybee populations, according to a study led by the University of Lausanne. The research highlights how glacial retreat could facilitate disease spread among bees.

Typically, wild and honeybees avoid each other during foraging by specializing in different plant species, which reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. However, as the flora changes due to glacial melting, bees are increasingly relying on the same food sources. Flowers become hotspots for infections, as sick bees can leave infectious particles that are then picked up by other visiting bees.