Diagnostic survey on varroa mite (Varroa distractor) prevalence in South-Western Ethiopia

Epidemiology, factors influencing prevalence and level of varroosis infestation (Varroa destructor) in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies in different agroecologies of Southwest Ethiopia

“…The difference in prevalence between the studied districts may be due to several factors, including ecological variation, season, and management systems. The overall prevalence of varroosis (39.3%) identified in the current study is similar to the findings of Shegaw et al (2022) , which showed a prevalence of 48.4% in Southwestern Ethiopia. Compared to previous findings in the Tigray region ( Begna, 2015 ), which observed a prevalence of 82% varroosis, the current prevalence is lower.…”

“…This study provided epidemiological data on the infestation of V. destructor in honeybee colonies in Southwest Ethiopia based on parasitological evidence. The varroa mite in honey bees causes significant economic loss in the country ( Gebremedhn et al, 2019 ; Shegaw et al, 2022 ). This study helps to apply appropriate management techniques to control and prevent V. destructor infestation.…”

“…Several studies conducted in Ethiopia have examined the prevalence of Varroa infestation in honeybee colonies and reported a high prevalence ranging from 30.5% to 91.8%. Furthermore, the infestation has been reported to have significant detrimental effects on both honeybee colonies and honey production, posing a considerable challenge for the country's beekeeping industry ( Begna, 2015 ; Godifey, 2015 ; Mezgabu et al, 2016 ; Nega et al, 2019 ; Shegaw et al, 2022 ; Gela et al, 2023 ). Furthermore, studies have shown that Ethiopian honey bee antennae exhibit an increased level of gene expression of the odorant binding protein OBP14, suggesting a potential improvement in detection and elimination of reproducing mites ( Gebremedhn et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Although several factors influence it, the main one is defined as the existence of pests and honeybee diseases. These disease assaults continue to have a serious effect on honeybees and their products, despite the lack of many solid kinds of research on the effects of the disease ( Shegaw et al, 2022 ). Varroosis is one of the serious honeybee diseases that affected honey production in Ethiopia ( Begna, 2006 ; Shegaw et al, 2022 ; Gela et al, 2023 ).…”

“…These disease assaults continue to have a serious effect on honeybees and their products, despite the lack of many solid kinds of research on the effects of the disease ( Shegaw et al, 2022 ). Varroosis is one of the serious honeybee diseases that affected honey production in Ethiopia ( Begna, 2006 ; Shegaw et al, 2022 ; Gela et al, 2023 ). However, evidence on the magnitude and distribution of varroa mites is still insufficient ( Godifey, 2015 ).…”