Excerpt from AgriFutures “News and Events (18/03/2026)

Experiments look to improve beekeepers’ ability to import desirable genetics, by understanding how deformed wing virus is transmitted from queen bees to eggs through drone semen.

New insights into the transmission of a significant honey bee virus could pave the way for safer access to imported genetics that could help Australia’s honey bee and pollination industry adapt to varroa mite.

Breeding varroa-resistant bees using imported genetics is one approach in the suite of promising methods to manage Varroa destructor. Genetics can be imported from overseas in the form of drone (male honey bee) semen or queen bees. Desirable genetics can improve honey production and influence a range of other attributes. However, ensuring the best-possible genetics are safe from damaging viruses is critical.

Honey bee viruses, including deformed wing virus (DWV), can be transmitted to queens and their offspring through infected drone semen, which can devastate colonies. Fortunately, DWV has not been detected in Australia.

Dr John Roberts of CSIRO, co-researcher Dr Jody Gerdts of Bee Scientifics and their collaborative team are working to understand the transmission process of DWV so that beekeepers can be confident in the use of imported beneficial genetics, such as drone semen.

“DWV is common around the world. A challenge that our industry faces in trying to access overseas genetics is finding source material that is virus-free,” John explained.

“This project is looking at ways we can reduce the risk of DWV from imported overseas genetics by better understanding the transmission process.”

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Getting on the front foot of varroa and viruses

DWV is one of the most common honey bee viruses around the world and is primarily spread through varroa mite. The virus can impact all life stages of the honey bee but one of the main symptoms is wing deformities in adult bees, which is the most obvious indicator of the virus. DWV can also result in the mass death of bee colonies.

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Take a read of the full article here:

VIRUS TRANSMISSION PUT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE – AgriFutures Australia