This week on Beekeeping Today Podcast, Becky welcomes guest co-host Bridget Mendel as they sit down with virologist Dr. Declan Schroeder from the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. Together, they explore the unseen world of honey bee viruses—how they evolve, how they spread, and why understanding them is essential for modern beekeeping.
Declan brings a fresh perspective to virus ecology, sharing how his early research on marine viruses led him into honey bee health just as colony losses began escalating worldwide. He describes why viruses were overlooked for so long and how the arrival of Varroa shifted viral dynamics from background agents to major colony-level threats.
Becky and Bridget dig into what this means for beekeepers: why Varroa management remains the cornerstone of reducing virus pressure, how viruses move within and between colonies, and what new research is revealing about potential spillover concerns between honey bees and native bees. Declan discusses findings from a multi-year Minnesota study showing that while bumblebees may encounter honey bee viruses, they are rarely infected—an important distinction in ongoing conservation conversations.
The discussion wraps with a look ahead: evolving virus–vector interactions, improved surveillance efforts, and the growing role of researchers and veterinarians in supporting beekeeper decision-making. It's an engaging, approachable dive into a complex subject—one that every beekeeper will benefit from hearing.
Websites from the episode and others we recommend:
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Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com
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HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com.
Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.
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Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.
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Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
