Virus becomes new suspect in bee die-off Genetic tests find link between colony collapse and little-known virus
Scientists have found a new prime suspect in the deaths of about a quarter of America's honeybees, a mystery that could take a multibillion-dollar toll on the nation's agricultural industry.
Months of genetic testing have fingered a virus that was first reported in Israel just three years ago and may have passed through Australia on its way to the United States. The correlation between Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus and the mysterious bee disease — known as Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD — was reported Thursday on the journal Science's Web site. The economic effect of the bee disappearances goes far beyond the lost honey: In fact, the bee industry's primary impact is felt through the crops that the insects pollinate — products that are valued at $14 billion to $20 billion annually. Since Colony Collapse Disorder first came to light last year, the malady has affected an estimated 23 percent of the nation’s beekeeping operations, with losses of up to 90 percent. Other countries are reporting mysterious bee losses as well.
The disorder is characterized by the rapid disappearance of a colony's bees, even if there are adequate stores of food in the hive. The bees just seem to fly off into oblivion — hinting that the malady somehow affects the insects’ navigational sense or learning ability.
Anyone find any micro cap stocks in correlation to honey production? May turn out to be "Liquid Gold"!
Yankee
posted
So far our hives are ok. we are in florida.
Wit
posted There is already a thread on this where it belongs, in OT .
posted
Wit, I think his main point is, are there any stocks that could be impacted by this? In which case it's not really off topic (not sure under .10 is where it should be, but not sure what other board would make sense either).
Wit
posted Yeah ,..I see what youy're saying PC....
Haven't seen any of those stocks Nitti.
FrankNitti
posted
Well, I certainly do appreciate your responses...I, for the life of me, couldn't think of any micro stock companies who manufacture honey either...but thanks anyways!
Also, glad to hear your hives are still OK Yankee...there may be hope left for the bees after all!
posted