Data from: The vectoring competence of Varroa destructor for Deformed wing-like viruses is affected by methods for controlling the mite in honey bee hives

<p dir="ltr"><i>Varroa destructor</i> are harmful ectoparasitic mites of <i>Apis mellifera</i> honey bees. Deformed wing-like viruses (DWV-A and B (VDV1)) are ubiquitous honey bee viruses that are vectored by Varroa; mite vectoring can cause an increase in virus infectivity and diversity of genetic variants. Beekeepers use both chemical (e.g., amitraz) and non-chemical (e.g., ‘brood break’) means to control mite populations in honey bee colonies, and these methods may be combined into an integrated pest management strategy. Here we explore how these control methods affected the DWV/VDV1 population in honey bee colonies, the diversity of viral genetic variants, and the competence of Varroa to transmit overt DWV infections. We found that ‘brood break’ treatment significantly elevated Varroa populations in colonies with a concomitant increase in DWV-A and VDV1 levels, but not when combined with amitraz application. Our results demonstrate negative implications to honey bee colony health from chemical treatment failures on the levels of DWV-like viruses in adult bees and mites, and the ability of mites to transmit overt infections.</p>

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