Scientists Find Cause for Colony Collapse Disorder

News Date: 10/12/2010

A team of US Army scientists and university scientists in Montana have identified what they believe is the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a mysterious condition that has resulted in the death of millions of bees and has caused significant concern to beekeepers and farmers alike.  According to the study published online the scientists found that a combination of a viral and fungal infection in the bee results in a condition of severe malnutrition that eventually leads to the death of the bee.  Individually, neither  the virus and the fungus, both of which are common to bees, are known to cause significant illness but when combined the scientists say can lead to a serious condition that results in death.  It has been estimated that roughly 20 percent to 40 percent of the bee colonies in the United States have been destroyed by CCD since 2006. Numerous potential causes for the disorder have been discussed from pesticide use to parasites.  (Contact:  Amy Mann or Bob Ehart)
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