This rapid mutation and evolution is evident not only within the bee population as a whole, but even within a single hive, or within a single bee! Scientists use the term “virus swarm” to recognize the great variability within any bee virus species, and apply the descriptive term “quasispecies” when speaking of a particular virus (Lauring 2010). All the bee RNA viruses are noted for their mutability and existence in multiple, constantly evolving forms. The honey bee is always poised to adapt to whatever Nature throws at her! Viral QuasispeciesĪnd what Nature throws at bees are a mess of ever-shifting RNA viruses. This great genetic diversity within the colony ensures that there are plenty of alleles (gene variations) present in a natural population to allow rapid adaptation (Pritchard 2010). They exhibit the highest genetic recombination rate (of germ cells) of any know animal (Beye 2006), and queens go to great trouble to ensure that they mate with as wide a diversity of drones as possible. Honey bees are masters (or is that mistresses?) of adaptability. Like Danny DeVito explained in the film “Other People’s Money,” no matter how exquisite and perfect the now outdated buggy whip, it will be abandoned if it can no longer compete in the “marketplace” of nature. Look at it from a Zen perspective-it just happens, and no telling where it will go! Whatever beats the competition is favored everything else is cast by the wayside without regret or empathy. To understand the process of evolution, one must first disabuse himself of any misconception that evolution has any plan, goal, or rules of fairness. Let’s return to the discussion… Bee/Virus Coevolution Just as the successful beekeeper these days must understand varroa biology, it helps greatly to understand virus biology, which is why I’ve been going into such great detail on the subject. I feel that it’s time for a paradigm shift in the way that we look at bee health issues! Understanding Viruses Mite management should be considered as only one facet in the overall context of virus management. However, it’s not varroa that actually kills colonies rather, it is the bee viruses, which is why I’ve been belaboring the subject. Beekeeping success these days is largely dependent upon managing the mite level in your hives. First published in American Bee Journal April 2011īee health issues completely changed with the invasion of the varroa mite. Sick Bees-Part 8 Time for a Paradigm Shift! With a specialized focus on northern youth services, Shift also provides innovative support options for families in the Atlantic region and experiential leadership for youth across Canada.The Seasonal Progression of Virus Infections. This has included both the Ilagiittugut Centre for Youth in Iqaluit (an eight-bed/24-hour treatment centre for female youth between the ages of 12 and 19) and the 4D North Centre for Youth in Cambridge Bay (a six-bed/24-hour therapeutic centre for boys aged 12-16) – the latter being the most northern residential care centre for youth in the world.įormed in 2011, Shift is a human services and experiential learning company based in Nova Scotia. Shift has been working with the Government of Nunavut since 2014 operating residential youth care homes in the Territory. “It is our privilege to be continuing our passion of supporting youth in the North,” said Andrew Middleton, CEO of Shift, “and we look forward to building strong partnerships with Fort Smith’s vibrant community.” Located in Fort Smith, NWT, the program blends modern clinical practices with comprehensive cultural and outdoor education. Trailcross is an eight-bed/24-hour residential treatment and therapeutic care facility for youth aged 12-18. Shift is proud to have been selected the new operators of Trailcross Treatment Centre on behalf of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA).
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