Tropilaelaps and Varroa Update with Dr. Samuel Ramsey (331)

Dr. Samuel Ramsey returns to the podcast with jaw-dropping updates from his global research into Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites. In this fast-paced and eye-opening conversation, Sammy shares the latest findings from his Honey Bee-nome Project, including recent fieldwork in the Philippines, rat–mite mysteries, and the alarming resilience of Tropilaelaps mites in cold climates.

Listeners will hear how Sammy and his international team are sequencing the genomes of all honey bee species and their parasites to build a global reference library—a bold step toward proactive defense against emerging threats. He also breaks down what’s still unknown about tropi mites, including their possible overwintering behavior, alternative hosts, and the unsettling risk of co-infestation with Varroa.

Jeff and Becky dig into the broader implications of Sammy’s work: What happens if Tropilaelaps enters North America? Are our current monitoring and response systems up to the task? And how are his graduate students pushing the boundaries of parasitology research?

This episode is packed with science, storytelling, and urgency—and a few moments of humor (including a “don’t-take-a-selfie-with-a-giant-bee-colony” cautionary tale). Whether you’re new to beekeeping or have years behind the veil, this conversation is a must-listen.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• The Ramsey Research Foundation: https://www.ramseyresearchfoundation.org
• The Ramsey Lab at Colorado Univerity's BioFrontier's Institute: https://www.colorado.edu/biofrontiers/ramsey-lab
• Sammy's Personal Website: https://www.drsammy.online
   
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

 

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