Managed honey bee colonies face a welfare and conservation crisis from Varroa destructor mite infestation that causes colony collapse and widespread suffering across billions of individual bees.
While the sentience of individual bees remains debated, the welfare of bee colonies and the enormous ecological services they provide are undeniable. Varroa mite infestation causes visible physical damage to developing bees and transmits viruses that deform wings and impair navigation. Colony collapse from Varroa represents welfare harm at scale across billions of individuals and ecological harm from reduced pollination. Supporting beekeepers using integrated pest management and breeding programs for Varroa-resistant bees is both a welfare and ecological conservation action.