Prevalence and risk factors of wax moth in bee colonies in the Central and Central-West regions of Burkina Faso: pilot study

Abstract

Beekeeping is a very old practice in Burkina Faso and has many advantages, including the availability of honey resources, of endogenous knowledge and support from public policies. However, it faces challenges, including health problems, which are poorly documented. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2019 in the Central and Central-west regions of Burkina Faso to determine the prevalence and risk factors of wax moth in bee colonies. A total of 200 modern hives were visited of which 106 were colonized or previously colonized. Methods of observation and inspection of the hives were used to search for witnesses of the wax moth infestation: eggs, larvae, pupae cocoons, woven silk cloth, gallery in wax or adult butterflies. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on beekeepers and apiaries characteristics. An inspection sheet was used to record observations made during the inspection of the hives. The results revealed that the average size was 18 hives by apiary. Hives used were Kenyan, Dadant, and rectangular frame hives with a colonization rate of 53%. The overall prevalence of wax moth was 23.6% [15.5-31.7%]. Other predators/pests were observed in 43.4% of the hives, the main ones being beetles (25.5%) and ants (17%). The analysis of the radio adjusted odds ratio showed the absence of risk factors among the modalities of the studied variables. In view of the results of this pilot study, more extensive studies could be carried out to have a better understanding of the epidemiology of the infestation and its possible impact that it can have on honey production.

Preliminary study on the prevalence of Varroa sp in honeybee colonies in the village of Mondon (Burkina Faso)

“…The use of embossed wax to bait hives is already reported and seems to be the common way of colonization of bar and frame hives (Paterson, 2006). The colonization rate found is higher than the result (53%) from Kaboré et al (2021) in Sudano-Sahelian zone. Indeed, hives colonization is still dependant to the attraction of the wild bee colonies or swarms and their availability would depend on melliferous resources (vegetation, water, shelters, etc.).…”

“…Certainly, beekeeping has potentialities in Burkina Faso as availability of melliferous resources (Nombré et al, 2009), but it faces technical, financial, and sanitary constraints (MRAH, 2019). The literature on bee health shows that the small beetle, the varroa mite and the wax moth have been identified in bee colonies in the country (Aebi et al, 2016;Kaboré et al, 2021). However, specific investigations allow better understanding of the diseases for their better management.…”