Provincial apiarist Rheal Lafreniere told the Winnipeg Sun this past winter saw a 28-percent loss of bees, similar to the previous winter. The normal winter loss rate is 15-20 percent, he said.

"We're really worried about how much of an impact these consecutive losses are going to have on the industry," he said.

University of Manitoba department of entomology Professor Rob Currie told The Sun the varroa mite is believed to spread disease and weaken the insect's immune system and shortening its life. He said the mites also appear to be developing resistance to pesticides that used to be effective.

Todd Yakimishen, chairman of the Manitoba Beekeepers' Association, said the group's more than 200 members are also concerned with low commodity prices for honey and higher production costs, the report said.

"It's a pretty dim picture," Yakimishen said to the Sun.