"A mysterious disease that has reduced honeybee populations in Europe and the United States could be caused in part by a virus, according to research.

Scientists have discovered a characteristic pattern of cell damage in bees affected by colony collapse disorder (CCD), which suggests that a virus contributes to a condition that killed off more than a third of American honeybees in 2007-08.

CCD, in which worker bees suddenly disappear from their hive, was first reported in the US in 2006, and has since affected at least 24 states and parts of Canada. There have also been cases in continental Europe, and a few cases have been suspected in Britain though not confirmed."


Mark Henderson reports for the London Times August 25, 2009.
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