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

Robi, Dereje Tulu; Temteme, Shiferaw; Aleme, Melkam; Bogale, Ararsa; Getachew, Awraris; Mendesil, Esayas

doi:10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00325

“…However, some honey bee populations have been identified as tolerant against this pest and able to survive even without anti-varroa treatment [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Since the detection of varroa for the first time in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region [ 16 ], several studies have been conducted on its distribution and prevalence in the country [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. A national survey conducted in Ethiopia, which covered all regions except Tigray, showed a wide distribution and up to 95.8% prevalence in the country with a significant variation between regions [ 18 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A national survey conducted in Ethiopia, which covered all regions except Tigray, showed a wide distribution and up to 95.8% prevalence in the country with a significant variation between regions [ 18 ]. The prevalence of varroa in Ethiopia was reported to be influenced by several factors including agroecology and management systems [ 19 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Rates of Honey Bee Colony Losses and Regional Variability in Ethiopia Based on the Standardised COLOSS 2023 Survey

Hailu,

Atsbeha,

Wakjira

et al. 2024

Insects

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The COLOSS research association has been assessing honey bee colony losses, associated risk factors and management, focusing on Western countries but with a progressive international expansion. Here, we report the first survey on the loss rates of colonies in 2022/2023 in Ethiopia using COLOSS monitoring survey tools. A face-to-face interview questionnaire survey was conducted on 64 beekeepers selected from Oromia and Tigray regions. This covered 1713 honey bee colonies distributed in 68 apiaries. The percentages of colonies lost were significantly different between Oromia (24.1%) and Tigray (66.4%) regions. Colony losses were attributed as unsolvable queen problems (8% in Oromia; 10% in Tigray), natural disaster (32%; 82%), and empty hives or dead colonies (60%; 8%). The loss rate was significantly affected by queen replacement (p < 0.0001), use of natural comb (p < 0.0001), feed supplementation (p < 0.0001), region (p < 0.0001), varroa treatment (p < 0.0001), colony splitting (p < 0.01), and merging (p < 0.01). Beekeepers in Oromia managed more colonies and implemented improved practices compared to those in Tigray. However, all beekeepers in Oromia detected at least some bees with signs of deformed wing virus, compared to 76% of beekeepers in Tigray. In conclusion, the colony loss rate was significantly different between Oromia and Tigray regions due to differences in natural disasters, management, environment and health factors.

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Health status of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera) and disease-associated risk factors in different agroecological zones of Southwest Ethiopia

Robi,

Temteme,

Aleme

et al. 2024

Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports

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High Rates of Honey Bee Colony Losses and Regional Variability in Ethiopia Based on the Standardised COLOSS 2023 Survey

Hailu,

Atsbeha,

Wakjira

et al. 2024

Preprint

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View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The COLOSS research association has been assessing honey bee colony losses, associated risk factors and management, focusing on Western countries but with a progressive international expansion. Here, we report the first survey on the loss rates of colonies in 2022/23 in Ethiopia using COLOSS monitoring survey tools. A face-to-face interview questionnaire survey was conducted on 64 beekeepers selected from Oromia and Tigray regions. This covered 1,713 honey bee colonies distributed in 68 apiaries. The percentages of colonies lost were significantly different between Oromia (24.1%) and Tigray (66.4%) regions. Colony losses were attributed as unsolvable queen problems (8% in Oromia; 10% in Tigray), natural disaster (32%; 82%), and empty hives or dead colonies (60%; 8%). The loss rate was significantly affected by queen replacement (p

show abstract

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

Cited by 3 publications

References 56 publications

High Rates of Honey Bee Colony Losses and Regional Variability in Ethiopia Based on the Standardised COLOSS 2023 Survey

High Rates of Honey Bee Colony Losses and Regional Variability in Ethiopia Based on the Standardised COLOSS 2023 Survey

Health status of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera) and disease-associated risk factors in different agroecological zones of Southwest Ethiopia

High Rates of Honey Bee Colony Losses and Regional Variability in Ethiopia Based on the Standardised COLOSS 2023 Survey

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