Sara M. Clifton

Honey bees contribute substantially to the world economy through pollination services and honey production. In the US alone, honey bee pollination is estimated to contribute at least $11 billion annually, primarily through the pollination of specialty crops. However, beekeepers lose about half of their hives every season due to disease, pests, and other environmental factors. Here, we study a mathematical model of within-hive and between-hive disease dynamics. We validate the model using apiary inspection data collected across the state of Illinois over several years. We predict the spread of Varroa mite-borne viral diseases and offer interventions to slow or prevent the spread of colony loss.

 

In collaboration with Zoi Rapti, Adam Dolezol and undergraduate research assistants Lauren Mossman and Kylie Landa

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