Report: Transmission of deformed wing virus (DWV) via imported honey

This report examines the risk that imported honey could carry and spread deformed wing virus (DWV) to Australian honey bees.

Australia imports more than 8,000 tonnes of honey each year from regions where DWV is common. The virus is strongly linked to colony losses overseas, especially in areas where the Varroa mite is present. Although DWV has not been detected in Australian bees, its entry would threaten pollination and honey production.

Researchers tested 15 imported honey products from supermarkets and online stores, including raw and processed types. They detected DWV in most raw honey samples but found no virus in processed products. This result shows that heat treatment and filtration work well to remove or inactivate the virus. The detected virus levels in raw honey were low.

The team also tested whether the virus could infect bees. They exposed bee pupae and adult bees to contaminated honey under controlled conditions. Infection was rare and inconsistent. Even when detected, virus levels stayed very low and did not persist across repeated tests.

These findings suggest that imported honey poses a low risk for DWV transmission under normal use. However, the risk is not zero. Continued monitoring and updated import controls will help protect Australia’s beekeeping industry.

Read the project snapshot here.