A Critical Point in Beekeeping: Beekeepers’ Health

Abstract

Beekeeping activity implies a series of intensive processes and a variety of risks. After examining studies on beekeeping activity, it became obvious that beekeeping risk factors and beekeeping health studies are quite limited throughout world. This study aimed to reveal the possible effects of this activity on beekeepers health and to bring recommendations to be applied during practice. The beekeeper is often exposed to adverse effects such as mechanical and physical difficulties, environmental and climatic conditions: high temperature, time related stress, colonies transfer stress, insomnia, bee venom and smoke exposure during production activities. Any disadvantages that might occur in an environmentally friendly production context can be attributed to possible disruptions, injuries, psychological disorders and/or occupational accidents. The difficulties of living away from home and an irregular diet are constantly placing beekeeper’s health under pressure. The difficult process of bringing bee products to the table, influences on beekeeper’s health. In this production process, the beekeeper must make proof of his own health as well. Despite the reduction of labour force and risks through modern tools and equipment support in the developed countries, there are multiple risks in every stage of honey production, which is dependent on natural conditions. The results of the present research should bring awareness on the subject of beekeepers health and establish grounds about occupational health and safety in beekeeping activities.

Evaluation of different controlling agents alone and in combination against Tropilaelaps clareae in relation to honey production in Apis mellifera colonies

“…In addition, honeybees also play a key role as a pollinator of crops and entomophilous species all over the world (Hung et al, 2018;Gallai et al, 2009;Klein et al, 2007). However, the population of honeybee (A. mellifera) colonies is declining globally as well as in Pakistan and the average honey production per colony/annum is very low which is of great concern due to their role in global food production (Seitz et al, 2016;Steinhauer et al, 2018;Topal et al, 2019;vanEngelsdorp and Meixner, 2010). This decline in bee population is not due to a single factor but more than one factor combines to devastate bee health.…”

EFFICACY OF SOME PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINSTVarroa destructorAND THEIR SIDEEFFECT ON HONEYBEE COLONIES

“…There is widespread concern about the worldwide decline in the abundance of A. mellifera (Baily, 1982;Qayyoum et al, 2013;Topal et al, 2019). The ectoparasitic Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is considered the most serious pest affecting honey bee Apis mellifera L. and plays a central role to honey bee losses and it is the most threatening agent of its colonies throughout the world (Fries and Hansen, 1993; Anderson and Trueman, 2000;Anderson, 2000).…”