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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4055-9427

Date Available

11-4-2025

Year of Publication

2025

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Entomology

Faculty

Clare Rittschof

Faculty

Charles Fox

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of nutritional supplements on viral infections in honey bee colonies, focusing on Lake Sinai Virus 2 (LSV2), Deformed Wing Virus A (DWVA), and Deformed Wing Virus B (DWVB). I partnered with 32 hobbyist beekeepers across Kentucky, who volunteered 138 colonies for a month-long field study. Half of the colonies received weekly commercial supplements, while the other half served as controls. Viral titers were measured before and after the supplementation period using qPCR. Supplements did not significantly reduce viral titers for any of the three viruses, suggesting that short-term supplementation may not be effective in lowering infection levels. However, variation between months and among beekeepers with different management practices underscores the importance of accounting for seasonal and individual management factors. This report offers a starting point for understanding how hobbyist beekeeper colony management practices intersect with viral dynamics and highlights the need for longer-term studies to inform practical disease management strategies.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.03

Archival?

Archival

Funding Information

Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund

National Science Foundation

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