Deformed Wing Virus has the potential to wipe out honeybee populations all over the world.

Paxton heads the university's General Zoology. The renowned expert on honeybee and wild bee diseases warned:

"The Deformed Wing Virus is arguably the biggest threat to honey bees right now. Our lab research has shown that the new, highly contagious variant is killing bees faster."

The virus variant, which causes serious damage to the insects' wings before killing them eventually, has been detected by an international group of researchers who have been analysing virus variants over the past 20 years.

The new variant of the virus is spread by varroa mites which are widely considered one of the biggest threats to honeybees in the world. These mites invade hives and reproduce by laying eggs on pupa.

"Mites don't just spread viruses. They also eat bee pupa."

Australia is the only continent that does not have Varroa mite and hasn’t got deformed wing virus. This is why Biosecurity needs to be the highest priority. Australian honeybees are already being used to help repopulate bee populations overseas.

The varroa mite, excessive usage of insecticides, construction projects and one-crop agriculture are considered the major threats to the existence of honeybees. Imported honey and other bee products increase the risk of contamination.