But he adds that such large losses to a population are not unusual in epidemics.One explanation offered by both Dr Ratnieks and Mr Traynor is of a once-rare disease, possibly caused by the Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), sweeping through colonies that have already been weakened by parasites such as Nosema ceranae, a parasitic fungus from Asia.
He stayed for five decades, and under his direction the unit made many significant discoveries about leishmaniasis and other parasitic diseases.
His love affair with the parasitic world began, far from the tropics, while fishing with his father on the rivers of Sussex.
Also known as bilharzia or snail fever, schistosomiasis is a parasitic worm infection that leads to stunted growth and cognitive underdevelopment in children.
In February it was rocked by rioters demonstrating against their parasitic politicians.
For a decade, WHO has been applying the concept of self-help to one specific problem: the elimination from Africa of river blindness, or onchocerciasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms, spread between humans by blackflies.
Added to that, spraying tall trees is a much more complicated and unhealthy business than treating low-growing fruit and vegetables.Agricultural scientists have also looked at controlling fruit flies with parasitic wasps.
Such environments channel society's output towards a parasitic elite, discouraging investment and innovation.
Another is a parasitic fly that lays its larvae inside the ant's head.
Escapees from fish farms risk polluting these wild genes just as the parasitic lice that plague fish farms spread to salmon that swim free.
George Bush routed the Taliban after September 11th because al-Qaeda had, like a parasitic brood, commandeered the Taliban state in order to organise and train for global jihad.
