another virus in the hive?

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/artful-amoeba/2014/01/31/suspicious-virus-makes-rare-cross-kingdom-leap-from-plants-to-honeybees/

Beekeepers - it is ever more apparent and  IMPERATIVE that you help the bees keep "environmental buildup" out of the hive.  If you don't already - have AN EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROGRAM in place.  Wax is absorptive.  CYCLE OUT OLD FRAMES (the wax) in an annual rotation.  1/4 to 1/3 of the wax - every year!  Move "less used" honey storage frames in from the sides...to replace brood frames.

This brings a whole new meaning and purpose to SPRING CLEANING....the perfect time when clusters are small  - to do some rearranging.

Remember what the bee inspector says, "THE HEALTHIEST HIVES I SEE ARE NEW PACKAGES ON NEW EQUIPMENT."