Practical Guide: 2.10 Chronic paralysis virus
Bee paralysis is a viral disease that mainly affects adult bees and can lead to behavioral disorders and increased losses. Official memo 2.10 from the Swiss Bee Health Service describes the symptoms, contributing factors, and what to do if you suspect your bees are affected.
Official factsheet – Summary
Factsheet: 2.10 Chronic paralysis virus
- Description: Chronic bee paralysis is a viral infection primarily affecting adult bees.
- Characteristic signs:
- Bees trembling or unable to fly.
- Black, shiny bees lacking hair.
- Accumulation of crawling bees in front of the hive.
- Contributing factors:
- High colony density and stress.
- Unfavorable climatic conditions.
- Severe Varroa infestation.
- Recommended action:
- Limit interventions on the colony.
- Improve management conditions.
- Reduce sources of stress according to the factsheet.
- Important point:
- No specific treatment is available; only supportive measures are possible.
► Open the official factsheet PDF (FR)
► To the official factsheet page (abeilles.ch)
Note: Chapter 2.10 “Chronic paralysis virus”.
Summary established on the basis of factsheet 2.10. Last verification: 01/2026.
See also:
- Chronic Paralysis
- Deformed Wing Disease
- Practical Guide: 2.8 Varroosis
- Observations at the Hive Entrance
