We know what’s coming and we are prepared.
💢As of early 2025, the US is facing concerns over several emerging viruses. Notably, Norovirus cases have risen to 91 by late December 2024, up from 69 in November. Additionally, a new strain of COVID-19, named XEC, is spreading and may become dominant soon, although vaccines remain effective against severe illness. Furthermore, the H5N1 avian influenza virus has raised alarms due to increased human infections linked to contact with infected animals, with 61 cases reported this year. Finally, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is also on the rise, particularly among children
America’s bees and beekeepers are losing a valuable ally just when they need its help most.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to soon close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, a 6,500-acre agricultural research station in Maryland that is home to the nation’s premier bee research and disease diagnosis hub, the Beltsville Bee Research Lab.
The closure comes at a critical moment for bees. In winter 2025, many beekeepers lost over half their operations as pesticide-resistant varroa mites spread, bringing deadly viruses. The losses have led to low honey production, and soaring fuel costs have made shipping bees cross-country for agricultural pollination increasingly expensive, further stressing the industry.
