Which pathogen is known as a secondary pathogen related to varroa mite infestations?

The pathogen known as a secondary pathogen related to varroa mite infestations is Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). When varroa mites infest honey bee colonies, they weaken the bees both physically and immunologically. This weakening allows for the replication and spread of various pathogens. DWV is particularly associated with varroa mites because the mites not only directly harm the bees by feeding on their bodily fluids but also serve as vectors for viruses such as DWV.

When bees are unable to effectively fight off infections due to the stress and damage caused by the mites, DWV can take hold, leading to symptoms like deformed wings and a shorter lifespan in adult bees. This connection highlights the importance of managing varroa mite populations within beekeeping practices to prevent the secondary impacts of diseases like DWV that can devastate bee colonies.

In contrast, while pathogens like Nosema, Chalkbrood, and ASBV can affect bee health, they are not specifically categorized as secondary pathogens linked to varroa infestations. Nosema is a microsporidian that affects digestive health, Chalkbrood is a fungal infection that typically occurs under cold and damp conditions, and ASBV primarily affects the development rather than serving as a direct consequence of varro