There could be fewer roses this year because of a virus spreading from bush to bush

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Everything is not rosy this year with roses.

A virus called Rose Rosette is spreading across Kansas and Missouri.

A microscopic mite carries the virus from bush to bush.

The disease the rose bushes have red branches with dense leaves as well as extra thorns.

As far as a cure, experts say there is not one for now.

"You really need to dig up every bit of the root system out of the ground and destroy the rose bush, if you can burn, burn it," said Cathy Bark at Suburban Lawn and Garden

So far, the virus has affected more than 30 percent of rose bushes in some central Kansas neighborhoods.