Affected hosts
- Apis mellifera
- Apis cerana
Deformed wing virus
Deformed wing virus
Viral disease often associated with Varroa destructor infestation. It can cause deformed wings, reduced abdomen size, shorter lifespan, and colony weakening.
Agent
Deformed wing virus
Legal status
No
Signs and symptoms
Adults
- Deformed or atrophied wings
- Reduced abdomen
- Bees unable to fly
- Early death
Brood
- Pupal mortality in severe cases
Colony
- Population decline
- Failure to produce winter bees
- Collapse
Diagnosis and confirmation
Field methods
- Clinical signs associated with Varroa assessment
Laboratory methods
- RT-PCR and viral quantification
Control and prevention
Good practices
- Control Varroa based on monitoring
- Avoid reinfestation
- Keep colonies strong
Prevention
- Varroa monitoring and control
- Biosecurity
- Stress reduction
Monitoring
Indicators
- Bees with deformed wings
- Varroa level
- Laboratory viral load
Frequency
- Aligned with the Varroa monitoring plan