NORTHWEST WISCONSIN--The year's first news on the condition of bees is not good.

    Initial reports from members at the Polk-Burnett County Bee Association reveal heavy losses in over-winter bee colonies.

    Testimony from last night's standing-room-only crowd, in the Polk County Government Center, told of large losses to complete colony devastation. The exact cause of death is uncertain, though starvation and several-winter cold snaps are contributing factors.

    In January state officials, researchers and commercial beekeepers were joined by other experts in Sacramento, Calif., to exchange data and discuss the ongoing problem of Colony Collapse Disorder, a malady that is decimating bee colonies nationwide and in various parts of the world.

    To date there is no report of CCD in Wisconsin, said Dr. Gordon Waller, a Wisconsin state bee inspector.  However, last year a killing virus called Israeli acute paralysis virus, which is strongly correlated with CCD, was discovered in St. Croix County. 

   Elizabeth Meils, state apiarist, said this discovery was the first-known case of IAPV in Wisconsin. She said Wisconsin is participating in a nationwide, fact-finding study with Pennsylvania State University on the cause of IAPV.

    Bees are crucial in the production of agriculture products that rely on pollination. Several commercial beekeepers in Wisconsin transport their bees to other states for pollination. The loss or reduction of the bee population would seriously effect Wisconsin's economy.

    To help ensure healthy bee colonies in Wisconsin's northwest area, Dr. Waller will conduct tests in apiaries on May 15.