Deformed wings

[MichelleB]

When you come across a colony with deformed wings and with some bees having kind of a chalky appearance (the bees, not the brood) what are the chances of them spreading disease to the rest of your bee yard? I found these symptoms in a recent cutout, and I'm keeping them isolated. Totally prepared to destroy them if I have to.

[lake thompson honey]

deformed wings is usually curly wing virus caused by varroa mites.

[MichelleB]

Right. That part I know. But should I bother trying to put this colony into woodenware at all, much less in an isolated yard in the case they _can_ be treated?

[Axtmann]

MichelleB

It can be treated; you must get rid of the Varroa mites.

If you have more colonies, without an effective treatment, soon or later you will find the same in all hives. There is nothing you can do with insulation.

If you have a big problem all the brood combs should be destroyed (freezer over night) and than fee to the chicken. IMO I would not give the combs back and let the bees clean it out, this is more work for the bees than raising new brood.
Let the queen start again on empty combs and treat the brood free colony 2 times with OA vapor 7 day apart or give them 2 Thymol strips 20 days apart.

[wade]

I realize we all have our own goals so bear that in mind with regard to my response. If one of my colonies shows symptoms like that or in fact shows any departure from health, I cull it. I'm not an expert so don't know the disease or how communicable it is, but its clearly a departure from health.

[Robert Brenchley]

The virus won't spread directly from bee to bee, but you will have a population of mires which all carry it, spreading it merrily from bee to bee. I suspect part of the current problem is that mites are now carrying a high load of various viruses, causing an epidemic.

[dickm]

I think it lives comfortably in the adults,(It's a vrus and bees carry several).
The mites transmit it to the brood where it prevents the wings from forming.
Treat for mites.

Dickm