Thai Sacbrood Virus destroying apiaries in South India

The Thai Sacbrood virus, first found in Thailand in 1976 affects honeybee colonies. The first outbreak happened in 1991-92 and destroyed more than 90% of the colonies in South India.The virus kills larvae, thus reducing the bee population drastically.The dead larvae change color and turn into sac-like structures that can be removed. Asian honey bees are extremely important for the ecosystem not just because we procure honey from their combs but also because they play an important role in cross-pollination of crop yield. A decline in their population will also affect farmers practicing apiculture. The major bee species found in India are Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Apis florea and Trigona. Apis Cerana are mainly found in South India. There hasn’t been much research done on this virus since it doesn’t affect humans directly. Similar to SARS COV-2, the disease spreads through touch. If a person touches an infected colony and then a healthy one, both the colonies will get affected. The only way out is to remove infected combs and burn them. However there are no clear guidelines and protocols for this. The Karnataka Biodiversity board plans to declare the honey bee as a ‘state insect’ because of its importance in the ecosystem.
Just like the SARS viruses, the Thai Sacbrood virus also needs to be monitored to prevent its spread in other parts of the country and the world.

[christineaygin]

When will people realise that we should have a relationship with nature, we depend alot on the creatures that we share this earth with

[roopa]

Must restricte use of pesticides and use organic materials for pest control

[srmchinni]

That's right what is said as it doesn't affect humans research on the virus is not active. If this also sustain then we will get to the real problem.
But hope the nature have the power to save herself.