Conducting an International, Exploratory Survey to Collect Data on Honey Bee Disease Management and Control

Abstract

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana (IZSLT) and the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations (Apimondia) set up a worldwide survey in 2015–2017 to gather information on beekeepers’ perceptions concerning good beekeeping practices, the main honey bee diseases, and the technical assistance they receive. The on-line dissemination of the survey was facilitated by the “Technologies and Practices for Small Agricultural Producers” platform (TECA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In total, 248 questionnaires were received from the European region and the results are reported here. Varroosis remains the biggest concern and is the most important reason for beekeepers’ use of veterinary medicines. However, a sustainable approach to managing Varroa was detected. American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) infections are mainly managed through the shook swarm technique or burning the hives. Concerning technical assistance for disease management, beekeepers were mainly supported by their associations or expert beekeepers. Relevant data were collected and analyzed but information from many low-income countries in Africa or Asia is still missing, and more efforts are needed to fill the knowledge gaps.

Results of an International Survey for Risk Assessment of Honey Bee Health Concerning Varroa Management

“…This is also likely reflective of the low percentage of professional beekeepers in both regions (14.4% in the Americas and 16.4% in Europe), considering that migratory beekeeping is a typical activity for professional beekeepers. Our results are consistent with others [28,31] who find that apiculture is a hobby for the overwhelming majority of the beekeepers in the Americas and in Europe and is not likely a primary source of income; future research should examine whether this is the case in other countries and regions.…”

“…The common use of low-environmental-impact products (the "Soft" acaricides used, 55.1% in the Americas and 53.1% in Europe) was ascribed to oxalic acid, thymol, and formic acid in each of the continents. Similar results were observed by other surveys [21,31]. The beekeepers in the Americas are much more likely to use formic acid compared to their European counterparts (46.9 vs. 27.2%), while Europeans were much more likely to use oxalic acid than those in the Americas (53.9 vs. 39.5%).…”

Spatial clusters of Varroa destructor control strategies in Europe

“…This field needs more research, to better understand and shape Varroa control in different countries. Mezher et al (2021) found that the main sources of assistance concerning the control of honey bee diseases were beekeepers' associations and cooperatives, expert beekeepers and veterinarians, while one quarter to one third of beekeepers declared that they did not receive any kind of assistance.…”

“…Monitoring and analysis should be extended to more European and non-European countries. Further research on the provenance of beekeeping knowledge and decision-making of beekeepers in Varroa control is needed (Mezher et al 2021). Stratification for operation size should be made to understand the different subpopulations of beekeepers (hobbyists, sideliners, professionals).…”

“…Empirical multi-country studies using the same methods and definitions are largely missing, but would benefit our understanding of implemented beekeeping management practices. One exception is the study of Mezher et al (2021) which surveyed more than 400 beekeepers globally, with Europe as the core area. Due to the small sample, they do not present differences or similarities of Varroa control methods at a country level, but in addition to Varroa control, their article also includes methods to manage bacterial honey bee brood diseases.…”